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Why workplace ‘banter’ can cost...
26th April 2024
KEEP an eye on the culture and banter in your workplace… It could help you to avoid a tribunal and hefty fine. In a recent tribunal case, a female solicitor who...
Merge people strategy and business strategy, says...
25th April 2024
PEOPLE experts HR Solutions have published a strategic white paper to help business owners understand the importance of aligning business objectives to HR principles in...
Full steam ahead… I like a challenge
23rd April 2024
ENGINEERING has been in Ian Taylor’s blood for as long as he can remember. He graduated in the subject at the University of London, worked for London Transport...
Business
Why workplace ‘banter’ can cost...
KEEP an eye on the culture and banter in your workplace… It could help you to avoid a tribunal and hefty fine. In a recent tribunal case, a female solicitor who had been paid less than a male colleague for five years and endured a “campaign of victimisation” when she complained, was awarded £159,000. And the case creates an important lesson for all business owners on the importance of a supportive and inclusive company culture, said HR specialist Rachel Collar (pictured above). Solicitor Helena Biggs made a claim against her former employer for sex discrimination, victimisation and unfair dismissal. When she found out she had been paid less than her male colleague for the last five years, she raised the issue with her manager. The tribunal heard details of discrimination and victimisation spanning the solicitor’s tenure at the firm, ultimately resulting in her being dismissed from her role. The tribunal judge ruled that she had received unequal pay and suffered unlawful sex discrimination, harassment and victimisation and awarded her a total of £158,860.41. “What is described as banter or jokes can still be offensive,” the judge said. Current legislation states that employers have a duty to be proactive in preventing sexual harassment and must have policies in place to tackle it. “It is not acceptable to make sexist or other discriminatory comments in a workplace environment,” Ms Collar, founder and managing director of Haus of HR in Towcester, said. “As this recent case shows, that can be a very costly mistake. “It is important to ensure everyone in your business knows where that line is regarding what is and is not acceptable – and, if you’re not sure, err on the side of caution.” Make sure there is a robust grievance procedure in place and that all employees know where it is and how to use it, she added “We all want to work in an environment that feels safe and inclusive and making sure everyone knows what is and is not acceptable is a key part of this. Organising staff training and making sure everyone is familiar with key policies are important but so is making sure your policies are followed correctly in the event a grievance is raised. “Failing to treat your staff fairly can end up costing you money as well as valuable employees.”Merge people strategy and business strategy, says new white paper
25th April 2024
PEOPLE experts HR Solutions have published a strategic white paper to help business owners understand the importance of aligning business objectives to HR principles in...
Full steam ahead… I like a challenge
23rd April 2024
ENGINEERING has been in Ian Taylor’s blood for as long as he can remember. He graduated in the subject at the University of London, worked for London Transport...
‘We never release a product just to exist. We play to win.’
23rd April 2024
SWAPPING the famous workshops of their former employer in favour of working from a garden shed in Northampton was quite the change for a group of Marshall...
Government’s funding boosts progress by businesses towards net zero target
16th April 2024
FREE business support, energy audits and match funding of up to £20,000 to implement energy efficiency initiatives are on offer as part of a new decarbonisation support...
Have your say on council’s plans to boost a ‘county gem’
16th April 2024
BOOSTING business in Brackley’s high street is the subject of a consultation being run by West Northamptonshire Council. It is seeking the views of businesses and...
‘Do well by doing good’: B Corps sit down to discuss sustainability best practice
12th April 2024
DELEGATES from the 14 certified B Corporations in Northamptonshire sat down to discuss sustainable business practice at an inaugural event hosted by the University of...
Food & Drink
Food festival aims to serve up a gastronomic treat at Delapr...
2nd March 2024
THE CREATORS of Towcester Food Festival and Bite Street NN are launching a brand new gastronomic extravaganza this summer… the Delapré Food Festival.
The food and...
Weetabix: Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards provide...
3rd November 2023
OVER 100 finalists… 500 hours of judging… winners galore in each of 19 categories at this year’s Weetabix Northamptonshire Food & Drink Awards.
The county...
Legal
Do not overlook new rules on workplace sexual harassment
2nd April 2024
Thurbaraga Shan, solicitor in the employment law team at Franklins Solicitors, discusses the amendment to the Equality Act 2010 that comes into force from October this...
Contract termination: A tricky process for parties to follow
2nd April 2024
Sponsored Article
Imagine a contract you entered is not going as expected and you want to terminate. All you want is to get out of this contract but, if...
Charity
Law firm eyes an all-time high fundraising total as a record...
3rd March 2024
A RECORD number of teams have signed up for a charity challenge to raise funds for eight charities from across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes.
The Apprentice-...
Best feet forward as colleagues prepare to take on the...
2nd March 2024
COLLEAGUES at IT specialist Paradise Computing are well into their training ahead of their participation in the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge.
Five workmates will...
Awards
BID is flying the flag for a safe and vibrant night time...
2nd April 2024
NORTHAMPTON’S commitment to creating a secure and vibrant evening and nighttime economy has been formally recognised with the confirmation of its Purple Flag...
Be a winner… Entries open for the SME Northamptonshire...
11th January 2024
BUSINESSES across the county are being encouraged to celebrate their business achievements at the prestigious SME Northamptonshire Business Awards.
The SME awards...