What is a mouse mover? A mouse mover, also known as a mouse jiggler, is a device or software that keeps a computer mouse in motion to prevent the computer from going idle. It can be a small physical device placed under a mouse or inserted in a USB port, or a software application that…
Managing trade unions and collective bargaining with a Labour government in power
With a potential Labour government imminent, employers need to think now about its impact on their current trade union and collective bargaining arrangements. The Labour manifesto states explicitly that stronger trade unions and collective bargaining will be the key mechanisms that enable them to tackle what they perceive as problems in the employment arena. So…
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Labour’s proposals for change
On 4th July 2024 we will vote for our next government. The most recent polls indicate a Labour landslide, which would precipitate what is potentially the ‘biggest upgrade to rights at work for a generation.’ The Labour Party’s employment law proposals were set out in Labour’s Plan to Make Work Pay: Delivering A New Deal…
What will the General Election mean for employment law?
Labour We will go to the polling booths on 4th July 2024. If Labour wins, what should we expect? Key plans are likely to include: More day-one employment rights, including the right not to be unfairly dismissed (although employers will be able to operate probationary periods). A ban on zero-hours contracts, unless requested, and new…
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Six ways to create a neuro-inclusive workplace
The City & Guilds Foundation, which specialises in developing skills, has published its 2024 Neurodiversity Index report. The report found that more organisations are focusing on neuro-inclusion, with more employers having neuro-inclusion strategies and adapting their recruitment practices to accommodate neurodivergent applicants than in the previous year. However, it also found that 50% of individual…
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What are the changes to the family-friendly legal framework?
Redundancy In a redundancy situation, pregnant employees who notify their employer of their pregnancy on or after 6th April 2024 have priority for any suitable alternative vacancy that is available. Employees returning to work on or after 6th April 2024 from a period of maternity or adoption leave, or a period of shared parental leave…
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Should you worry about ‘white fonting’?
What is it? White fonting is the practice of inserting hidden keywords into an electronic document by using a white font on a white background. This makes the keywords invisible to the human eye but still visible to computer programs that scan for them. How do people use it? Some candidates have started using…
Acas guidance to support changes from 6th April 2024: Guidance for managers on employing disabled people
On 9th April 2024, the government published a guide for line managers on recruiting, managing, and developing disabled people, which was developed by Disability Confident and the Chartered Institute of Development. Organisations with a positive and inclusive approach to managing disability can also reap the benefits of increased loyalty and commitment from staff. Along with…
Acas guidance to support changes from 6th April 2024: Ten things you need to know about carer’s leave
Acas has published guidance that provides an overview of the statutory right to carer’s leave, which came into force on 6th April 2024. The guidance includes helpful examples of how employees with different working patterns may choose to take leave and a table confirming how much notice should be provided. Anyone legally classed as an…
Flexible working: new Acas guidance to support changes from 6th April 2024
On 6th April 2024, when changes to the statutory right to request flexible working came into force, Acas published new guidance which provides practical examples for employers and employees on flexible working requests. What does it say? Benefits of flexible working Flexible working can benefit both employees and employers. For employees, it can help: balance…
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Government’s Inclusion at Work Panel (The Panel) publishes its first report
The recommendations for improving diversity and inclusion (D&I) practices in the workplace include: Framework The Government endorses a new framework that sets out criteria employers might apply to their D&I practice, embedding effectiveness and value for money. The framework should act as a set of conditions and expectations employers should strive to meet to embed…
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Manchester United sued for data breach following disclosure of employee pay information
Manchester United is currently facing legal action owing to a data breach that occurred in 2018. The breach involved accidentally transmitting a file containing personal information, including names, addresses, earnings details, and national insurance numbers, of 167 employees to a casual catering and hospitality staff group. The affected employees are now seeking compensation and are…