News 15-28 October 2021

We start this week with the TUC’s response to the governments astonishingly feeble recommendations on flexible working, following the flat fanfare of its consultation.(1) A second article by the TUC looks at the current situation for working mothers seeking flexible work arrangements.(2)   They also cite a survey which shows that 90% of disabled workers wish to continue to work from home.(3)   We have an article on the need for greater visibility in tackling workplace diversity.(4)  Andy MacDonald, the Labour Party’s former Shadow Employment Rights Secretary has called the proposed increase in the national minimum wage to £10 per hour as, ‘desperately outdated’.(5)  The TUC confirms this sentiment and highlights the need to address the spiralling cost of living increases.(6)   In another vein, the Prime Minister’s opposition to the ‘hire & re-hire’ bill is highlighted as a clear demonstration of the governments contempt for working people.(7) ITV News reports a large scale exodus of burnt out & exhausted social care workers into the hospitality sector.(8)           

We move on now to look at some of the more important cases to have passed through the caverns of Employment Tribunals Service.  First we look at two age discrimination and unfair dismissal claims with very similar circumstances, but very different outcomes.(9)  Secondly we have a round-up of cases relating to trade union activities, redundancy, employment status and the national minimum wage.(10)  Irwin Mitchell look at a case which underscores the importance of conducting a thorough investigation before dismissing employees.(11)        

We finish this weeks offerings with a baffling story involving Thanet Council, a broken senior management team and the decision to pay £280,000 as a ‘retirement package’.(12)  We conclude with a quick look at the H&SE’s Respiratory Health Inspection Initiative for the construction sector.(13)