Robots For Staff - Are Tesco Heading This Way?
26 / 10 / 2009
With all the challenging developments in employment law (that’s an understatement!) many employers have joked about wanting to take on robots. It looks as though some sectors are poised for the coming of the robot, even as I type. This week Tesco announced the opening of their first entirely self-service shop (in Northampton, quite near us). There will be five...
Employment Law Protects Extremists
26 / 10 / 2009
The appearance of BNP leader Nick Griffin on Question Time last week has sparked a huge row about the judgment of the BBC in giving so much airtime to the leader of an extreme political party. For many of us the views expressed by that particular group, however ‘cosied up’ they are to appear more palatable, are distasteful. What happens...
Leona Lewis And Employers' Liability
22 / 10 / 2009
Former X-Factor winner Leona Lewis, was assaulted recently while she was carrying out a book signing event in London. Ms Lewis was shocked, but fortunately did not suffer any serious harm, thanks to the prompt actions of security guards. Peter Kopwalczyk was later arrested, charged and sent for a psychiatric assessment. Mr Kopwalczyk was not employed by the book store,...
“Sir! The Dog Ate My Homework!”
20 / 10 / 2009
Remember that daft excuse from school? Nobody believed it, but it didn’t stop feckless pupils from trying it on. Since I have developed Chronic Monday-it is (a condition of which I firmly disapprove),I feel almost that I am making the same silly comment. I don’t believe in coincidences, yet the last few months have seen a range of minor...
Employment Tribunal Statistics – Some Interesting Reading
02 / 10 / 2009
Recently published statistics from 2008-2009 suggest some interesting trends over the past year. Key findings include: 20% increase in the number of claims accepted - but if multiple airline (cabin crew) claims are excluded, there is in fact a 4% decrease unfair dismissal, redundancy pay and breach of contract claims rose in number. Working time claims, equal pay and sex...