James Lewis

The Equality Act of 2010 was specifically formulated and introduced by the Government to offer both employers, and their employees, clear and concise guidelines regarding workplace codes of conduct in relation to what are known as protected characteristics. These characteristics include age, disability, gender, race, religion and sexual orientation. Putting health and safety aside, which is governed by its own sets of rules and regulations, workplace contraventions of these protected characteristics are key contributory factors resulting in employment tribunal action, instigated by disgruntled past or present staff against employers.

[Read more…] about Taking human resources measures to prevent disability discrimination

Amidst on-going financial uncertainty, disabilities and illnesses might seem, on the surface, to offer ‘get out of jail for free cards’ to struggling business owners. Whilst long standing employment law clarifies legal codes of conduct to human resources representatives in such matters, the Equality Act of 2010 has left some businesses lacking. Whether their courses of action intentionally or unintentionally contravened the Act, many have found themselves facing adverse employment tribunal cases due to disregard of workplace disability laws.

[Read more…] about Staying out of a disability discrimination employment tribunal

Amidst on-going financial uncertainty, disabilities and illnesses might seem, on the surface, to offer ‘get out of jail for free cards’ to struggling business owners. Whilst long standing employment law clarifies legal codes of conduct to human resources representatives in such matters, the Equality Act of 2010 has left some businesses lacking. Whether their courses of action intentionally or unintentionally contravened the Act, many have found themselves facing adverse employment tribunal cases due to disregard of workplace disability laws.

[Read more…] about Staying out of a disability discrimination employment tribunal

Any businesses whose staff are required to work at heights have enhanced duties of care with regards to the health and safety of employees in potentially dangerous situations. Most employers operating in such sectors are largely aware that their businesses are the most highly contributory to workplace injuries, and even fatalities. All should be aware of the Work at Height Regulations 2005, yet some are still prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive for either intentional or unintentional flouting of legislation.

[Read more…] about Protecting the health and safety of those working at heights

In direct response to burgeoning volumes of workplace related accidents, injuries and illnesses, the Health & Safety Executive was founded 35 years ago. Since its formulation, health and safety has continued to be a hot human resources topic in a spectrum of very different workplaces across the length and breadth of the country. Whilst many businesses have intrinsic understandings of health and safety laws, alongside potential contravention implications, many do not. By way of a clear and timely reminder, the Health & Safety Executive focused on the topic of workplace welfare in its August 2011 press release.

[Read more…] about Waging war on workplace welfare negligence