Employment Law

The employment relationship gives rise to many opportunities for conflict and misunderstanding.  Pay, nevertheless, should be simple to understand and apply, and it normally is.  The exceptions can, however, give rise to some of the most difficult employment problems to disentangle.

The Coronavirus Job Retention (Furlough) Scheme, not to mention the virus itself, have combined to illustrate the difficulties which can be encountered in administering pay arrangements in uncertain times.

Moreover, the recent Supreme Court judgments in the Royal Mencap Society and Uber cases have reset the rules on pay entitlements.

This session will cover contractual and statutory pay rights with a particular focus on:

Statutory sick pay: when it applies and exceptions

Furlough: understanding and applying government guidance and treasury directions

Review of case law:

Unlawful deduction from earnings: when can pay be withheld?

Distinguishing between avoidable and unavoidable impediments to working (and why the distinction is important):

National Minimum Wage: what makes it so complicated?

Traps to avoid:

Sleep-in allowances: where as the Royal Mencap Society case left our understanding of payment obligations?

What further uncertainties remain in this area?

Gig Economy Workers

What has the Uber case taught us about the payment entitlement of Gig Economy and other workers?

How might contracts evolve in response?

The event begins at 2pm. Delegate registration is open from 1:30pm.