Law Menopause-related discrimination claims can be complex. Several characteristics that are protected under the Equality Act 2010 may be relevant. These may include: Age: where those of menopausal or post-menopausal age are treated differently from other age groups. Sex: where a woman is treated less favourably, harassed or disadvantaged because of menopause. Disability: where an…
Comments against gender-critical beliefs were unlawful harassment
An employment tribunal has unanimously upheld a harassment claim related to an employee’s gender-critical belief. It was not disputed that her belief was protected under Section 10 of the Equality Act 2010. Facts The claimant was employed by the Arts Council England (‘ACE’). The Deputy Chief Executive of ACE hosted a virtual drop-in session for…
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Agency workers cannot cover those on strike
High Court decision Until 21st July 2022, Regulation 7 of the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulation 2003 prevented employment businesses from supplying temporary workers to cover the work of those taking part in industrial action. The High Court has held that the Secretary of State had failed to comply with his duty…
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Why do women leave the workforce early?
The second glass ceiling The British Standards Institution (‘BSI’) has published a report examining factors that cause women to leave the workforce early other than through choice. It describes the factors as ‘the second glass ceiling’. The report followed a survey of more than 5,000 women in the UK, USA, Australia, China and Japan. Findings…
When can an employer interfere with an employee’s expression of their beliefs?
The EAT has upheld an appeal against an employment tribunal’s decision that a Christian employee was not directly discriminated against or harassed because of her protected beliefs, including that gender cannot be fluid and that an individual cannot change their biological sex or gender. Facts Mrs Higgs is a Christian and was employed as a…
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British Standards Institute publishes new code of practice on workplace diversity, equity and inclus
The Code makes the business case for DEI and its link to performance. It uses practical guidance and tools to encourage, promote, and support DEI in the workplace. The document advises your business to select the most appropriate guidance for you and to adopt a phased approach so that you can measure progress and results….
How can you use disability passports to improve inclusion?
The Great British Workplace Adjustments Survey 2023 reveals disabled employees still face barriers at work and makes recommendations for employers to improve disability inclusion in their workplace. The survey notes that disabled employees wait too long for reasonable adjustments and barriers remain even after adjustments have been made. The report encourages employers to use disability…
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KPMG: social class and nepotism are major factors in obtaining work experience
A KPMG survey of 2,000 young people suggests that social class and nepotism have a major influence on their ability to access work experience. The survey revealed that young people from low socio-economic backgrounds were less likely to have gained work experience (40%) compared to the average for young people in all socio-economic groups (47%)….
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More than half of British employers expect AI to increase headcount over the next two years
A new survey shows British employers have a positive outlook on the potential that AI technologies have to increase the number of jobs and improve recruitment, upskilling and employee engagement. The findings come from a new survey of over 2,000 British employers by Experis. 54% of employers believe AI could have a positive effect on…
Employment Tribunals are going digital
Throughout 2023, the Employment Tribunal (ET) service intends to roll out digital case management systems for use by Judges, ET administrators, legal representatives, litigants in person and Acas. Online Processes will move online, away from paper. Among other things, the new digital systems will be used: to submit claims, responses and applications to the ET…
Ten tips on managing subject access requests
On 24th May 2023, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) published guidance on subject access requests (SARs) for businesses and employers. 1 What is the entitlement? Workers are entitled to a copy of their personal information from your organisation. This includes where you got their information from, what you are using it for and who you…
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Record levels of long-term sickness
Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that 2.55 million people in the UK are not working owing to long-term sickness. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, there are more than 400,000 additional people outside the labour market because of ill health. There has been a noticeable increase in conditions related to mental ill health, especially…

