The workplace advisory service Acas has issued new guidelines for employers making it clear that they cannot use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to silence employees who want to make claims of sexual harassment or discrimination. Acas Chief Executive Susan Clews said: “”The news has reported on victims coming forward that have alleged appalling abuse by high-profile figures who
The Employment Appeal Tribunal has upheld a decision that a police officer was discriminated against due to assumptions about her hearing impairment. The officer wanted to transfer to Norfolk, but her application was rejected by the Acting Chief Inspector, who said her hearing was not up to the medical standard required to perform front-line duties.
Transport for London (TFL) has successfully defended a disability discrimination claim that hinged on the interpretation of employment law. The case involved Mr Charles Ishola, who had been employed by TFL for almost eight years. He was disabled, suffering from depression and migraines. The discrimination issue arose after he complained about a fellow-employee’s conduct. An
Amazon has been granted an injunction ordering a former employee to comply with the terms of his employment contract regarding the non-disclosure and non-use of confidential documents. The employee, Mr Tejan-Kella, had been an area manager for Amazon. He got into a dispute with the company and issued a claim in the Employment Tribunal. He
Employers are being urged to draw up comprehensive policies to protect their employees from harassment in the workplace. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) says the policies should cover everything from physical intimidation to office banter and jokes. Commission chief executive Rebecca Hilsenrath has written an open letter to employers reminding them that “their
TV presenter Samira Ahmed’s equal pay victory against the BBC could lead to an increase in similar claims by employees in other industries. The publicity generated by the case has highlighted that pay inequality still exists and that employees can take legal action against it and win. Ahmed claimed that her work presenting the Newswatch
Parents who suffer the loss of a child will be entitled to 2 weeks’ statutory leave under new measures being introduced by the government. The Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay Regulations, which will be known as Jack’s Law in memory of Jack Herd whose mother Lucy campaigned tirelessly on the issue, will implement a statutory
The Government Equalities Office is conducting a survey inviting victims of sexual harassment to share their stories and comment on the effectiveness of the law as it currently stands. Ministers say the move is part of their commitment to strengthen protections for employees and will allow the public to have an impact on Government policy,
A gardener was unfairly dismissed after he was convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, a tribunal has ruled. Lorne Anderson, who had a history of mental health issues, had worked for the Fife Health Board since 2001. His employer required gardeners to have a full driving licence. Anderson worked long hours, often six
A Royal Mail employee has won her case of unfair dismissal in a case that went all the way to the Supreme Court. Ms Kamaljeet Jhuti joined the Marketreach unit of Royal Mail in October 2013 on a trial basis as a media specialist. She quickly raised concerns about potential regulatory breaches in the processes.