Insights & News

The role of immigration law in advancing DE&I initiatives in global mobility

17 November 2023

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives are no longer just buzzwords but are becoming essential elements of success for companies in all industries. Companies are recognising the value of diverse talent and the need to promote equitable opportunities in their global operations. Immigration law is a cornerstone of the legal framework and can play a pivotal role in shaping the demographic composition of a company.

Redundancy protection to be extended to cover pregnancy and return from family leave

15 June 2023

The Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act 2023 will come into force on 24 July 2023. The new law will give those who are pregnant or a recent returner from parental leave priority status for redeployment opportunities in a redundancy situation. We explain the new rights.

New guidance on positive action in the workplace

27 April 2023

New government guidance on positive action clarifies some key points but stops short of addressing business needs on this issue.

Ethnicity pay gap reporting guidance published

20 April 2023

As part of its Inclusive Britain strategy, the government has finally published guidance for employers who wish to report and address their ethnicity pay gaps.

EHRC letter on sex and the Equality Act

14 April 2023

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has written a letter to Kemi Badenoch (the Minister for Women and Equalities) on the definition of “sex” in the Equality Act 2010.

LGBT+ rights at work: no room for complacency

15 February 2023

As we mark LGBT+ history month in February 2023, this article looks at the current position of LGBT+ people in the workplace and the challenges that still remain.

What’s happening in employment law in 2023?

05 January 2023

There’s lots happening in employment law all of a sudden. 2023 looks set to be a year in which major employment law changes are shaped and fleshed out. From the post-Brexit reform agenda to a series of private members’ bills, key caselaw decisions to other planned developments, there is much change on the horizon, and little time for us to get our heads around it. Here’s our annual round-up of what to expect.

What's happening in employment law in Ireland in 2023

05 January 2023

The whirlwind of workplace and employment law developments we saw in 2022 is set to continue with multiple proposals for reform in the pipeline, including requirements on employers to deal with flexible and remote work requests, the introduction of a national living wage and other reforms flowing from the EU. Here’s our annual round-up of what to expect.

What’s happening in employment law in Northern Ireland in 2023?

04 January 2023

With the continuing lack of a functioning Executive and Assembly in Northern Ireland, employment law remains more or less in stalemate. That said, the active post-Brexit reform agenda impacts Northern Ireland and the decision in an important holiday pay case is expected. Here’s our annual round-up of what to expect.

When can a termination discussion be without prejudice?

15 December 2022

For a discussion to be “without prejudice” there must be an existing dispute between the parties. A recent EAT case helpfully clarified when a grievance will count as a dispute for these purposes.

Modernising flexible working - day one “right to request” but no “right to have”

08 December 2022

The government’s response to consultation on flexible working proposes a “day one” right to request and various other changes to the current rules, but stops short of more radical reform.

John Lewis ad spotlights children in care - and a potential gap in diversity initiatives?

17 November 2022

This year’s John Lewis Christmas advert has highlighted the challenges faced by children in care and their foster families. This follows a recent review calling for care experience to be a protected characteristic under the Equality Act. As John Lewis commits to becoming the employer of choice for care experienced young people, this article considers if there is a gap in current diversity initiatives.

Maya Forstater wins gender critical belief claim

07 July 2022

Following last year’s ruling by the Employment Appeal Tribunal that her “gender critical” beliefs were protected under the Equality Act, Maya Forstater has won her discrimination claim.

Diversity monitoring: what to collect and how to comply with the law

19 June 2022

To improve the diversity of your workforce, you need to measure it, and this means collecting and monitoring data. But what questions should you ask employees about their individual characteristics and how can you handle that information lawfully? This article takes an in-depth look at these questions.

Ethnicity pay gap reporting and intersectionality

17 May 2022

The government has said that ethnicity pay gap reporting won’t be mandatory, but many employers are choosing to do it anyway, adding ethnicity pay gap reporting to their existing obligation to report gender pay gaps each year. But what about the intersection of ethnicity AND gender?

Financial Conduct Authority launches new diversity targets with comply or explain obligation

17 May 2022

The FCA has taken another step towards improving board diversity and inclusion with the introduction of new ethnic and gender diversity targets for listed companies, and an accompanying obligation on firms to comply or explain.