Where social media is used for business purposes it is essential to safeguard the ownership of contacts when the employee handling the account moves on. Employment law specialist Andrew Lightburn, associate at hlw Keeble Hawson, explains how companies can avoid valuable data being transferred to a rival.
Category: Legal
Contracts, Human Resources HR, Employment and legal advice for owners and managers of SME small and medium sized business owners.
Freedom of Information reveal huge rise in SMEs investigated for corporate manslaughter
Small businesses are at most risk of being prosecuted under the Corporate Manslaughter Act, lawyers warn, as figures reveal a massive rise in new cases opened by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Parental Leave entitlement set to increase from 13 to 18 weeks: Are you prepared?
The idea of a legal right for employees to take 18 weeks leave is probably quite an alarming one for most employers. Emma Ladley at Lester Aldridge LLP looks at what this right really means and why it may not be such a worry for employers in practice…
What happens when the ‘Harlem Shake’ causes a stir with employers?
You may have heard of the latest global internet dance sensation, ‘the Harlem Shake’. Perhaps you’ve even participated in one of these 30 second dance videos which are proving hugely popular on the social media site YouTube However Jemma Pugh, Solicitor, and Susan Evans, Partner, at Lester Aldridge LLP explain what happens when employers get all shaken up by their staff’s antics.
Government health minister says eating at desks is ‘disgusting’, but should it be banned?
Government health minister, Anna Soubry, has said that workers eating lunch at their desks is ‘disgusting’ and they should take a full break to properly enjoy their midday meal instead.
Employment Tribunal Changes
Will the introduction of tribunal fees stop disgruntled employees pursuing unworthy claims? It’s just one of many of the new changes to employment law coming in.
My take on Lord Neuberger’s warning of the brutal consequences of legal aid cuts
Lord Neuberger, the UK’s most senior judge, recently warned that reforms introduced from April 1 – which will scrap legal aid for family matters including financial issues, residency and contact with children – could undermine the rule of law.
You’re Fired! Or are you? How to not follow Lord Sugar into an Employment Tribunal
The dispute between Lord Sugar and his former employee hit the headlines this week as Ms English’s Claim for constructive dismissal against Lord Sugar’s company was heard in the Employment Tribunal. So what will Ms English need to show, from a legal perspective, in order for her claim to be successful? We asked Susan Evans from Lester Aldridge LLP to explain
Only half of British businesses vet their suppliers for UK Bribery Act compliance
The Fraud Investigation & Dispute Services team at Ernst & Young has released research revealing that nearly half of British firms are failing to vet their suppliers for compliance with the UK Bribery Act, and that only 6 per cent would re-tender if they discovered their suppliers were not compliant.
How horse meat scandal puts supply chain issues in the spotlight
The horse meat scandal has raised crucial questions about the security of our food supply chains and has major implications for business.
Legal Aid cuts to affect societies most vulnerable
With the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPO) becoming law in May 2012, a series of cuts have been made my government to legal aid being available for those who cannot afford to pay for their own. This will result in £350m being cut per year from the £2.2bn budget.
Employer obligations and road sense
Driver eyesight is a vital part of health and safety at work but the responsibilities and consequences are often not fully recognised or understood by employers.
What the Human Rights decision on Religious Discrimination Cases means for UK business
The European Court of Human Rights handed down their judgment recently upholding the appeal in case Eweida v. United Kingdom in relation to her claim for religious discrimination and we look at the ruling and what the implications might be for UK business.
Snow joke for employers: A guide to your legal position in adverse weather
The latest episode of snowy weather will leave many employers facing problems around pay and absence caused by the adverse weather. Solicitor Hugh Hitchcock, Managing Partner of DJM Solicitors, says that now is the perfect time to review your ‘bad weather’ and business continuity policies to make sure your business can cope the next time a crisis occurs.
Don’t let Christmas creep up on you
Modern-day Christmas festivities aren’t always the joyous occasion intended: financial pressures are magnified and a somewhat artificial situation is created. Just like during summer holidays, family members who usually pass like ships in the night are thrown together for longer periods of time.