Latest Q & A
Doctor's notes
Can an employer force an employee to convert a day taken 'off sick' into a day's statutory holiday, if the employee has been unable to get a doctors note for that day? Apparently, it is practically impossible to get to see the doctor.
Employing part-time staff
I run a bar and employ four part-time staff. Two of them have full-time jobs. Do I need to issue them with a contract of employment and how does holiday pay work in this instance?
Employers obligations for work place injuries
What are employers obligated to provide for an injured employee, who was injured at work? For example, would an employer have to pay for the injured employees physiotherapy if this sort of treatment was required or recommended by a GP?
Smokers' rights
What are an employee’s rights on smoking within the work day? i.e. Are they entitled to specified breaks?
Damage to company property
Can I stop a portion of someone’s pay for damaging a company vehicle?
Working longer than contracted
I have a 20 hour contract but I work 30 hours a week. I have been doing this for more than two years. Do you think my employer should up my contract to a 30 hour week?
Dealing with complaints against staff
Can I be given a ‘black mark’ and put on probation within my company when I have had no written warning. I work for a merchant bank that is regulated by the Financial Services Authority. I believe a complaint was made against me verbally due to personnel differences, but as I have said no prior written warning was given. Thank you for your time.
Working while on disability benefits
Can I still run a small business while receiving disability benefits?
What does human resources do?
What does human resources do? And is it necessary to have a specific department to deal with human resources issues?
Improving your recruitment procedures
How can my business improve its recruitment procedures and how can the administration duties be handled more smoothly? Any tips?
Procedures to follow when dealing with dismissal
I employed a book keeper in May 2006 and I now feel that she is not up to the standard required to do the job satisfactorily. I have had informal discussions with her about her performance, but have not done anything officially or in writing. I would like to dismiss her with pay in lieu of notice. Is there a procedure I need to follow to ensure that there is no legal action she can take for unfair dismissal?
Dealing with changes in employees health
We have a driver who has worked with us for a long time. He has recently been diagnosed with MS and can no longer drive a large goods vehicle. We are in the process of finding him an alternative role. He has expressed a desire to drive a Fork-Lift Truck, at which we believe he will be more than competent. Is there any legal reason why he cannot do this? Any information would be much appreciated.
Employing an apprentice
I'm self-employed and would like to take on an apprentice, what's the first step? Anything I should bear in mind?
Am I obliged to offer a pension scheme?
I'm just about to launch a domestic cleaning and laundry business and plan to recruit up to 20 people over the next 2 - 3 years. Am I obliged to offer some sort of access to a pension scheme, either now or in line with my predicted growth of employee numbers? There seems to be lots of advice out there but much of it is conflicting.
Employement law essentials
I was employed as the manager of a bar for over a year, full time. I had no contract of employment and in the end I had to leave because I no longer trusted my employer and his girlfriend. I only got a week’s wage. My employer’s girlfriend admitted that this was a mistake and that they owed me more, but now she wont answer my calls. It’s been over a month. Do I have any rights here? How can I move forward on this issue?
