Company news
Giant crane comes down – giant moment for Torwood Street.
As we prepare to leave 2019 the £32million Torwood Street development in Torquay has reached a new milestone. A giant crane which has been dominating the harbour and waterfront area has been dismantled after almost 10 months on site. It was only in October last year...
Whistleblowing in a public or private capacity?
Section 47B of the Employment Rights Act 1996 says that an employer must not treat a worker badly (subject them to a detriment) if they have 'blown the whistle' on wrongdoing (made a 'protected disclosure'). In Tiplady v City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council,...
Equal pay
The Equality Act 2010 sets out the law in relation to equal pay. Male and female workers should be paid the same for doing the same job (like work), work which is given the same rating under a job evaluation scheme (rated as equivalent) or work of equal value, unless...
National minimum wage increases
You may remember that the Low Pay Commission reported to government back in Autumn 2019 and recommended increases to the national minimum wage and national living wage. The national living wage is the minimum pay required for workers who are aged 25 and older. It is a...
The Equality and Human Rights Commission guide to harassment
Employers must protect their workers from discrimination and harassment. An employer will be legally liable for harassment at work if they have not taken reasonable steps to prevent it. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has published some technical guidance on...
Unfair dismissal – suspension
Many employers automatically suspend an employee accused of misconduct while they investigate the allegations. Many employees don’t object. The employee in Harrison v Barking, Havering and Redbridge NHS Trust did object and brought a claim in the High Court to stop...
No beards policy ruling
An employment tribunal has recently looked at indirect discrimination and how it applies to dress codes. Indirect discrimination is where an employer applies a policy or practice to all employees, but which negatively affects a particular group who share a protected...
Parental bereavement leave
The government has announced that parents will be entitled to bereavement leave from 6 April 2020 (subject to parliamentary approval). Employees who lose a child under the age of 18, or who suffer a stillbirth from 24 weeks of pregnancy, will be entitled to two weeks'...
Ethical veganism can be a protected characteristic
Everyone's talking about veganism, and not just because of Veganuary. In January, an employment tribunal found that a vegan was protected from discrimination by the Equality Act 2010. The employee's ethical veganism met the legal test for a 'belief' which, like...
Part-Time Receptionist
Wollens Solicitors have a vacancy for a Part-time Receptionist to work at their office in Torquay. The Torquay office is in a wonderful location on the Terrace in Torquay Town Centre. You will be the first contact for our clients whether on the phone or in person. We...
What is a Prenuptial Agreement?
What is a Prenuptial Agreement and what does it do? It is an arrangement between a couple before they marry. Its aim is to regulate what happens a marriage breaks down and ends in divorce. If you are getting married, and you or your future spouse’s family have a...
Unmarried couples disputes – A stark warning
UNMARRIED couples faced with an end to their relationship have been given some sound advice – and warnings - from a solicitor at a leading Devon law firm. One of the most important messages from Terry Chetwood is that if they think they have the same right rights as...
Sobering advice on drinks law in today’s modern world
A night down at the local or on the town has changed in so many ways – especially with modern technology. The days of an “I’ll have a pint of your best” instruction to the landlord or landlady over the bar are becoming fewer and fewer, particularly with the presence...