Employment Review - January 2012

Posted on 02-02-12

Introduction

Dealing with employees on long term sick leave can be a very difficult situation for managers. Employers contemplating dismissal should usually conduct an investigation prior to dismissal, but how far must that investigation go? Is the employer entitled to rely solely on information supplied by the employee or is an up to date medical report required? Below we consider this thorny issue together with the question: is an employer expected to go the extra mile for employees with longer service?

Local Authority Employment Review - January 2012

Posted on 31-01-12

Welcome to our Local Authority Employment Review

In this review we take a look at current employment issues facing local authorities, including the most significant decisions in relation to Equal Pay litigation in 2011; the current position on recovering costs in the Employment Tribunal; issues around the right to legal representation at disciplinary hearings under the Human Rights Act; clarification on the ‘Johnson exclusion area principle’; and a guide to whistleblowing claims.

We also introduce our Local Authority Employment team.

I hope you find this review useful. If you would like to discuss any of the articles please do not hesitate to contact me or another member of the local authority employment team.

Rena Magdani
Partner
0845 272 5715
rena.magdani@freethcartwright.co.uk

Employment Law Changes in 2012

Posted on 19-01-12

It’s going to be a busy time for businesses again this year with a number of important employment law changes coming into force over the next 12 months.

Below we have highlighted some of the key changes and when they are coming into force.

The Food Information Regulation - January 2012

Posted on 12-01-12

The Food Information Regulation (”the Regulation”) was finally published in December 2011. The Regulation is to be binding in its entirety and directly applicable to all Member states. It applies to food business operators at all stages of the food chain, where their activities concern the provision of food information to consumers, including food intended for supply to mass caterers.

Freeth Cartwright advises Experian on Garlik acquisition

Posted on 12-01-12

A team led by Corporate Partner Karl Jansen has advised Experian on its recent acquisition of Garlik Limited, a provider of web monitoring services, from venture capital investors DFJ Esprit and Doughty Hanson, and other shareholders.

Employment Review - December 2011

Posted on 04-01-12

Introduction

In this month’s briefing we look at two cases concerning very different forms of discrimination in the workplace, an update on sickness absence and holiday pay. We also set out the new rates of statutory maternity pay and sick pay and provide a reminder of the latest government consultations on TUPE legislation and the ongoing review of UK employment law.

Philip Bury
01782 202020
phillip.bury@kjdfreeth.co.uk

Care Bulletin - December 2011

Posted on 19-12-11

In this bulletin we look at :

• judicial review of two local authority decisions to freeze care fees leads to decisions being quashed

• the government discussion paper on the social care market, and recent criticism of CQC

• health and safety issues which affect the sector

• a recent case which considered whether TUPE applied on a transfer of care services from the NHSto a private sector provider

Education Review - December 2011

Posted on 09-12-11

Welcome to our December Education Review

Latest News - We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mary Mackintosh, Partner, as the new Head of our Education Group. Philippa Dempster is Head of Commercial Services.

Mary is an Education Law expert and has in-house experience as Head of Legal Affairs at a University before joining Freeth Cartwright. The Lawyer ‘hot 100′ named Mary in its 2010 top 100 lawyers, described as being at the top of their game throughout the economic crisis.