HOT TOPICS IN EMPLOYMENT LAW…
Whenever you pick up a newspaper there will, almost inevitably, be an article on industrial disputes, reports of Employment Tribunal claims or the introduction of new regulations whether they have originated from Europe or otherwise.
Two particular issues have been reported on a daily basis over the last few months:
Junior doctors dispute.
Junior doctors have been in dispute relating to proposed changes to their contracts. Their actions have recently escalated and for the first time in the history of the NHS they have stopped (for a day at a time) emergency care. The doctors have staged planned strikes. The fact that this is the first time that emergency care has been withdrawn for a limited period is indicative of the strength of feeling of the doctors.
Jeremy Hunt, the Secretary of State for Health, has reaffirmed the Government’s intention to impose a new contract for all junior doctors. The current intention of the Secretary of State is for the new contract to start in August.
Whatever your views on the merits of the arguments of doctors or indeed of the Secretary of State, the events of the last few months have highlighted the difficulties that may arise when an employer wishes to change the terms and conditions of employment.
If you are an employer who is considering making such changes, or if you are an employee affected by proposed changes to your terms and conditions of employment please contact us to discuss the required procedures and possible pitfalls by phone on +441213184707 or by email at info@ritchmuellerpartners.com.
Tips, gratuities, cover and service charges.
Most of us have been in a restaurant and have been uncertain as to what the tipping regime is in that particular establishment. Is tipping left entirely to your discretion? If not is there a fixed amount added to the bill before you have even considered the matter? Do you know your rights when a service charge is added? Furthermore do you know what happens to the tip that has been paid by you as a tip, gratuity or service charge? Since 1st October 2009 the use of tips, gratuities and cover charges to make up payment of the national minimum wage has been prohibited. The recent implementation of the national living wage has put pressure on a number of businesses and there have been many accusations that some businesses have been cutting employee benefits to offset its cost. Such benefit cuts include free food allowances for staff and the reduction of the proportion of tips passed to the waiting staff. The Government has opened a consultation process to consider proposals for further action to end tipping practices which may be unfair and also to increase transparency for employees and consumers. The consultation will close on 27th June 2016.
If you need clarity on your position either as the owner of a business, or as an employee, please feel free to contact us by phone on +441213184707 or by email to info@ritchmuellerpartners.com.
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