Health and safety
The National Grid has warned that the war in Ukraine combined with very cold weather could result in three-hour power cuts in January and February 2023. While such blackouts are unlikely, the ramification for businesses could be significant. We look at how HR professionals can help their organisations to prepare.
As the number of monkeypox cases in the UK rises, employers have been advised to conduct risk assessments and ensure they follow standard sickness procedures if a worker becomes infected. Ashleigh Webber pulls together advice for employers whose staff may be infected or at risk of infection with monkeypox.
It won't be long before work in the metaverse becomes part of daily life, according to some predictions. But this does have implications for HR policies and processes, as Alex Farrell-Thomas and Olivia Sinfield explain.
The pandemic has generated a greater appetite among employees for remote and/or hybrid working patterns. Consultant editor Darren Newman explores how employers can strike a balance between advocating a physical return to the workplace and satisfying staff who are pushing to spend more time working from home.
Employers should treat all staff who have long Covid as if they have a disability, in the absence of clear legislative protections for people with lingering symptoms which can affect their performance at work.
There have been multiple reports of employers limiting the sick pay entitlement of employees who have chosen not to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Consultant editor Darren Newman explains the potential risks in terms of contractual entitlements, discrimination and employee relations.
To what extent, if any, can an employer insist on knowing whether employees have been given their full course of COVID-19 vaccines? Even more importantly, can an employer make vaccination a requirement for continued employment? And is it fair to dismiss the vaccine hesitant? These are all issues that employers will have to grapple with in 2022, explains consultant editor Darren Newman.
A return-to-work plan for an employee with long COVID should involve the worker, employer, line manager and occupational health professionals to ensure they receive the appropriate support.
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, HR professionals have had their fair share of employment law rulings to keep track of in 2021. We count down the 10 most important judgments of the year that every employer should know about.
As well as continuing to deal with workplace issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic, there will be many other important employment law developments for HR to grapple with in 2022. What does HR need to do to meet its obligations and prepare for the coming year?
Commentary and insights: HR and legal information and guidance relating to health and safety.