maternity leave is 52 weeks (26 weeks ordinary and 26 weeks additional), with statutory maternity pay (SMP) for up to 39 weeks. Paternity leave is 1 or 2 weeks, with statutory paternity pay (SPP) for up to 2 weeks. Both are subject to eligibility criteria.
The statutory notice period in the UK depends on how long an employee has worked for their employer: 1 month to 2 years: At least one week’s notice 2 to 12 years: One week’s notice for each year of service, up to a maximum of 12 weeks 12 years or more: 12 weeks’ notice Contractual […]
Read moreKeep in touch sensitively, hold review meetings, seek medical/Occupational Health advice. Consider reasonable adjustments, and follow your absence/capability policy. Treat long-term sickness fairly and consistently.
Read moreNo, an employee doesn’t need to be signed back to work by a doctor unless their employer specifically requires it, such as for health and safety reasons. Fitness to work should be discussed at the return to work meeting.
Read moreUse one wherever facts are unclear or allegations are serious. Gather evidence, interview relevant parties, keep notes, and assess credibility before deciding next steps.
Read moreWorkplace harassment is any unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic (e.g., age, race, sex, disability, religion) that creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. Harassment can include verbal, physical, or non-verbal behaviour and can involve bullying, inappropriate jokes, or discriminatory comments (For a free Managers Guide , go to How To HR […]
Read moreProbation allows faster decisions but still requires a fair process: concerns explained, a chance to respond, notice/pay handled correctly, and care taken to avoid discrimination.
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