We wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Employers will know that anti-discrimination laws apply even before an employment relationship is established. A recent study has however revealed significant discrimination against those with names suggesting an ethnic origin other than White British. 68% of "white" applications received a positive response compared to only 39% of "ethnic minority" applications.

Lowless Commercial offer practical advice on recruitment of staff, including job adverts, application forms and interview guidance.

Click  here to access the report in full.

A recent report has found that fathers in Great Britain are unhappy with their working hours and struggle to find a work-life balance. Apparently fathers fear that requesting flexible working could damage their careers, and almost half do not take their two weeks' statutory paternity leave. A number of proposals have been suggested to improve paternity rights, including paid paternity leave and up to eight weeks' paid parental leave, both at 90% of salary.

This will not be welcomed by employers, who already struggle to arrange cover for staff on maternity, adoption or parental leave.

Click here to read the story in full.

According to key NHS advisers employers need to pay more attention to the levels of stress and anxiety in the workplace. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) have indicated that the cost of work related mental illness was £28bn. This figure represents a quarter of the UK's total sick bill.

Click here to read more.

The Acas Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures has now been in force for over six months. Many employers assumed that their procedures were already in compliance with the code. However, we are about enter a period in which the details of the code and whether or not employers comply with it will be closely examined by the courts and tribunals.

Click here to read more.

If you are considering or are in the process of making redundancies in the recession you need to be aware of the risks posed by aggrieved employees and do all you can to minimise that risk. Where an employee’s livelihood is put at stake in a redundancy or dismissal process it is not uncommon for those employees to feel angry and resentful. Reprisals against employers have been known to range from arson, to running up company expenses, to data theft.

There are a number of measures and steps that employers can take to reduce some of the risks associated with an employee’s departure.

Click here to read more.

From everyone at Lowless Commercial Solicitors.