Latest Q & A
Protecting information from subcontractors
I need to subcontract some of my work. How do I protect confidential information supplied to my subcontractors so they don’t set up in competition with me?
Setting up a business abroad.
How do I go about setting up a business abroad? I wish to use a bank outside the UK to hold the account: should I get legal representaion here or there?
Disability discrimination
I have just been told I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and my line manager is making my life very difficult. My GP has requested lighter duties but the line manager feels that if you can’t do all of your job you should lose it. He has mentioned redundancy. Can he do this?
Staff access to employment records
Does an employee have a right to access their employment record as updated by their employer?
Paying staff for bank holidays
I am opening a new business, with regards to bank holidays, do I have to pay my staff holiday pay for them?
Using a former company's name
A local limited company closed down last year. It was the name of the town and the trade, e.g. Kent Flowers. I would now like to use this name as a sole trader. Would this be allowed?
The importance of contracts
I have worked for company for five years now and still have no contract of employment. Should I have one? What problems might myself and my employer encounter if I don’t?
Requesting early retirement
Twelve months ago, I had an accident at home that left me disabled. Can I ask my employer to give me early retirement through ill health?
Keeping staff information
What information am I allowed to keep on my staff and after they leave, how long do I have to or should I keep that information?
Grievance/disciplinary procedures - note taking
At an employee complaint hearing, handwritten notes were made by us and then transcribed. The original notes were shredded by our HR manager and the employee has now indicated that we have broken the data protection act and is going to make a complaint. Is he right?
The law on working alone
I was just informed on another forum that legally you had to have two staff on duty at all times in retail. Seems strange, how then does this work if you are a sole trader and have a small shop with only you in it?
Legal advice for small businesses
I run a small business and we may have to go to an employment tribunal regarding an ex-employee for unfair dismissal. He is using the Citizens Advice Bureau to help him, is there an equivalent for businesses? If not, where can I get advice?
Maternity pay for casual/part-time staff
A football coach who works two hours a week for my children’s football club is now pregnant. Will I now have to pay her maternity pay?
Asking to see CRB check certificates
I am a foster carer and cannot leave anyone in the home whom has not had Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks. I have an employee who i have emailed and asked to copy her CRB and Insurance certificates to send to me. However, she has refused saying it is against the Data Protection act. Can I demand to see it and threaten to fire her if she doesn’t show me?
Safety in the workplace
Do all doors in the workplace need safety glass fitted as standard?
