An American court has decided that it was legal for a dentist to sack his assistant because he found her “irresistibly attractive”. Melissa Nelson had worked as a dental assistant for Dr Knight for over a decade. There was no question that she was good at her job. However, Dr Knight’s wife became concerned that […]
All posts by Andrew Crisp
Can your staff refuse to work on Sundays for religious reasons?
Recently, the Daily Telegraph published an article with the headline:- “Christians have no right to refuse to work on Sundays, rules judge” With respect to the Daily Telegraph, it isn’t true. The case was about Mrs Mba, a care worker in a children’s home. She was employed under a contract that required her to work […]
Do you have to pay staff who can’t get to work because of the snow?
During the wintry weather, many employees are electing to stay at home rather than come to work. This may be because of: Blocked roads; Severe weather warnings; Needing to look after children when the schools are closed; Advice that people should only travel if their journey is essential. Even employees who do make it to […]
So Can Employees Wear a Cross at Work or Not?
You’ve probably heard in the press that the European Court of Human Rights has ruled that British Airways discriminated against an employee, Nadia Eweida, by not allowing her to wear a cross at work. At the same time, the same court said that Shirley Chaplin, a Devonshire nurse had not suffered discrimination when her employer […]
How do Starbucks get away with it? (and I’m not talking about tax)
You may have read in the press that Starbucks is intending to save money by cutting paid lunch breaks, sick leave and maternity benefits for thousands of British workers. The revised employment terms include the removal of paid 30-minute lunch breaks and paid sick leave for the first day of illness. They are also ending […]