Workplace Law - November 2017

In the wake of a number of high profile allegations of sexual harassment we consider how to deal with sexual harassment in the workplace in this month’s Workplace Law. We also consider on going case law developments in respect of employment status and the risk assessment you need to perform for women who want to breastfeed at work.

How to deal with sexual harassment in the workplace

Half of British women and a fifth of men have been sexual harassed in the workplace, a BBC report revealed recently.

The #metoo campaign that’s swarming social media has revealed that many individuals are not aware of what actually constitutes sexual harassment and that there are far more victims then we currently think.

As the legal definition of sexual harassment covers a wide range of behaviour and is subjective in its nature, actions that have previously been dismissed as “banter” or “harmless flirting” could now land employers in deep trouble if it’s not dealt with properly we thought it might be helpful to give you some guidance on how best to deal with a complaint of sexual harassment if you were to receive one.

Read more
 

Employment Appeal Tribunal upholds the ruling that Uber drivers are workers

Just over a year ago two drivers brought an action against Uber in the Employment Tribunal (ET) arguing that they should be treated as employees. The ET concluded that Uber drivers were not employees but that they were workers as a result of which they were entitled to be paid the minimum wage, receive paid statutory holiday and be paid statutory sick pay.

Read more
 

Breastfeeding at work - Risk assessments

In a recent ruling, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) found that a minimum height requirement for applicants to the Greek police force fell short of what EU law required. This is case is a useful reminder that using a one-size-fits-all approach is not rarely an appropriate way of dealing with issues.

Read more