Employment law and the metaverse
What is the metaverse? The metaverse is a network of connected virtual spaces or “worlds” with a focus on social interaction, often through the use of avatars. Many people will be familiar with the concept […]
The lunchtime lockdown with…Clare Gunnell
As a firm which places Employee Relations (ER) at our heart, we are proud of the amazing team here at esphr. That is why our current employee Q&A seeks to share a little more about […]
What if the war doesn’t stop? Some thoughts for employers
We’ve all been watching events unfold in Ukraine with disbelief and horror. Whilst peace talks are still ongoing, the destruction of Ukraine isn’t stopping and there doesn’t appear to be an end in sight. The Foreign […]
Homes for Ukraine Scheme
As part of the government’s response to the invasion of Ukraine, a new scheme is being set up to enable Ukrainians and their immediate family members — who don’t already have links with the UK […]
P&O Ferries dismissals and collective consultation
There is widespread disbelief at the turnaround of dismissals at P&O Ferries yesterday, with reports suggesting that 800 of the firm’s employees are to be replaced with agency workers. We do not know the full […]
We are a Legal Week Innovation Awards 2022 finalist
celebratory email landed in our inbox recently, announcing that we have been shortlisted in the Legal Week Innovation Awards – for the third time in as many years. Previously a ‘Future of Legal Services Innovation […]
UK employment law cases spotlight – February 2022
Our legal team has come together to compile a rundown of employment law cases – including the background and decisions made – that HR and employee relations (ER) professionals should be aware of. Slade and […]
How data is supporting HR leaders to drive meaningful change throughout their organisations
For mid-large sized organisations and their HR departments, having access to advanced technology is no longer a nice-to-have but a must-have. When time is stretched and workloads show no signs of slowing down, the last […]
CEO Pete Byrne leaves esphr after nearly two decades at helm
After 17 years as CEO and founder, Pete Byrne has stepped down from esphr having helped our organisation complete the first phase of the mid-market expansion and successful acquisition by Marlowe plc. Established in 2003 […]
Smith v Pimlico Plumbers – Court of Appeal decision on workers and unpaid leave
The recent Court of Appeal case of Smith v Pimlico Plumbers issued 1 February 2022 deals with (i) whether an individual who successfully argued that he was a worker rather than self-employed could claim for outstanding holiday […]
Temporary extension of self-certification for SSP – Ceased from 27 January 2022
The temporary arrangements, designed to ease pressure on GPs in connection with the Omicron variant and vaccination boosters programme, extended the self-certification period for SSP from 7 to 28 days. This meant that for any […]
UK employment law cases spotlight – January 2022
Our legal team has come together to compile a rundown of employment law cases – including the background and decisions made – that HR and employee relations (ER) professionals should be aware of. Hope v […]
How employers can support autistic employees in the workplace
Television personalities Mel Sykes and Christine McGuinness have both recently been in the news as having been diagnosed as autistic in adulthood. Whilst adult diagnoses can be difficult to get, more people are becoming aware […]
What employers must know about the Health and Care Worker Visa
From 15 February 2022 the Health and Care Worker Visa (part of the Skilled Worker Visa) will be extended to care workers and home carers for a minimum period of 12 months. As many […]
Dismissal of care home worker for refusal to be vaccinated found to be fair
Several employers have already implemented ‘no jab, no job’ policies into their organisations with compulsory vaccinations remaining a contentious issue for many. The care sector is a particular example in which it now has to […]