More than 13,000 of the UK’s lowest paid workers will get around £2m in back pay as part of the Government’s scheme to name employers who have failed to pay National Minimum Wage and Living Wage. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has published a list of 233 businesses that underpaid workers. As well as paying back staff the money owed, employers on the list have been fined a record £1.9m by the Government. Retail, hairdressing and hospitality businesses were among the most prolific offenders. Since 2013, the s... Continue reading

Sports Direct may face a raft of Employment Tribunal claims after it issued instructions to staff across its UK stores to speak in English only at all times while at work, even during private conversations. “We would like to remind all staff that English is the official language of the company,” the statement said. “It has come to our attention that some members of staff are speaking to each other in languages other than English whilst carrying out their duties.” The company cites health and safety as one of the key reasons for it... Continue reading

The director of an Indian restaurant in Chichester has been disqualified for six years for failing to comply with immigration law. The disqualification prevents Mr Ahmed of Chi Spice Limited from directly or indirectly becoming involved in the promotion, formation or management of a limited company until July 2023. Mr Ahmed’s disqualification follows an investigation by the Insolvency Service, which found he had failed to comply with statutory obligations under immigration law; specifically that he failed to ensure relevant immigration che... Continue reading

Only 31% of employers are focusing on better supporting education, skills, and training among their millennial employees, according to a new report published by LMS provider Docebo. The report’s findings consolidate analysis of a range of published studies, largely based on research undertaken in the US, but will nevertheless resonate with employers everywhere. The need to focus on millennials is highlighted by the fact that this age group (people born during the mid-to-late 80s and the 90s) will shortly represent the largest social group in... Continue reading

All jobs should be advertised as available for flexible working, and greater support should be given to fathers to play more of a role in child care, in a shake-up of culture and working practices to reduce pay gaps, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said last week.   The call comes as the Commission’s comprehensive strategy for tackling gender, ethnicity and disability pay gaps is released.   Fair opportunities for all: A strategy to reduce pay gaps in Britain makes six recommendations outlining the action needed by governme... Continue reading