Is an argument about the interpretation of a contract protected as a philosophical belief?
No, said the Court of Appeal in Gray v. Mulberry Co (Design) Ltd. We have blogged about earlier stages of this case previously (see here and here) and it has just been heard by the Court of Appeal.
Philosophical belief case on right to copyright fails
Last week, people all over the world took part in mass rallies as part of a global climate change strike. We consider the business impact, and the employees' right to strike.
Could taking action on climate change result in disciplinary action?
In the recent case of Harpur Trust v. Brazel [2019] EWCA Civ 1402, the Court of Appeal considered whether the holiday entitlement of a permanent employee who worked only part of the year should be prorated to that of a full-year worker.
Holiday pay entitlement for part-year employees – not a simple 12.07% of hours worked
The EU Council has had a busy month, adopting two new directives which will strengthen employees' rights. It also adopted a regulation which will establish a European Labour Authority, to support compliance and enforcement in the areas of labour mobility and social security coordination.
EU developments: what new measures might we see on workers’ rights?
Is it possible to bypass a trade union when negotiating a collective agreement with workers?
In the recent case of Kostal UK v. Dunkley, the Court of Appeal was asked to consider if the employer has the right to bypass a recognised trade union and make "a one-off offer" directly to workers.
Is it possible to bypass a trade union when negotiating a collective agreement with workers?
In the recent case of Antuzis & Ors v. DJ Houghton Catching Services Ltd & Ors, the High Court concluded that Mr Houghton (director) and Ms Judge (company secretary) were personally liable for the company's breaches of contract.
High Court finds that directors can be liable for breach of employment contract
Returning to work after maternity can be a daunting prospect for new mums, and it is important for them to feel that they will be valued and supported upon their return. Unfortunately, this is not the case for many women.
With Brexit fast approaching, Theresa May is said to be "determined to do even more as we leave the EU", including by building on the current EU requirements on maternity and paternity leave protection.
Consultation on extending redundancy protection for new parents
The EAT has found that the right to appoint a substitute can still be consistent with employee status, notwithstanding the requirement that the work must be personally performed, if such right is only exercised when an employee is unable to work.
Employment status and the right to substitute
Following our article earlier this week about the "Good Work Plan", the government has now introduced the first three statutory instruments implementing some of the changes outlined in the Plan:
The Good Work Plan – follow-up developments
Following the Taylor 2017 Review and the subsequent consultations launched earlier this year, the government has now published the Good Work Plan (the Plan). The Plan sets out its proposals for implementing the recommendations of the Taylor Review and "a wide range of policy and legislative changes" dealing with worker status, agency workers and zero hours contracts.
Government’s Good Work Plan: a step closer to implementation of Taylor Review recommendations?