News & Publications - Employment

Phasing out the default retirement age

29th Jul 2010

Currently, an employer can force an employee to retire at the age of 65 without paying any financial compensation. The only obligation on an employer is to hold a meeting with the member of staff to discuss plans at least six months before their 65th birthday. Although the employee can request to work beyond the default retirement age, the employer does not have to agree to the request, or justify any refusal.

The government plans to scrap the default retirement age in the UK fro... read more

Political Connections

30th Jun 2010

Former member of staff Chuka Umunna, who was elected as the Labour MP for Streatham at the recent election, has been in the press again today.

Chuka has been selected as one of the new members of the Treasury Select Committee. The role of the committee is to examine the expenditure and policy of HM Treasury and HMRC, and other associated public bodies.

 

Changes to UK Immigration

7th Jun 2010

The UK has a points based system for managing the migration of those wishing to come into the UK from outside the EU to work or study. The two main categories of visas are Tier 1 (for highly skilled migrants, investors, entrepreneurs and recent graduates from UK universities with no sponsor or offer of employment) and Tier 2 visas (for skilled workers with an employer sponsor). Significant changes were implemented in April 2010 to make it more difficult for some applicants to obta... read more

Planning ahead for the World Cup

2nd Jun 2010

The World Cup kicks off in 9 days and employers need to plan ahead to try and keep everyone happy. As matches are due to kick off at 1230pm, 1500 and 1930 (UK time) employers should ensure that they have a clear and consistent policy for those wanting to watch matches.

There is no legal requirement for employers to give employees time off to watch the World Cup matches. Whether or not to grant time off is a matter for employers to consider, taking into account the needs of the bu... read more

No Cure for Hangovers

28th May 2010

A recent survey found that almost 1 in 10 people in Britain say that they go to work with a hangover at least twice a week. At least 1 in 5 of those also admit that it affects their work adversely. Of those who admitted to working with a hangover, 17% said it caused them to make mistakes and fall behind with their work. A further 7% said they had to go home early because they felt unwell. As the survey indicates, hangovers can affect productivity as well as professionalism.

With ... read more

Coalition anounces changes to Employment policy

21st May 2010

The new government proposes to phase out the default retirement age, increase the state pension age and extend the right to flexible working to all employees.

  • the default retirement age is going to be phased out, rather than scrapped immediately. This will allow more time for consultation with businesses. Following the phase out, employers will no longer be able to force people to retire at the age of 65;
  • the government also plans to bring forward the timetable for rai... read more

Election News

7th May 2010

Rochman Landau LLP is delighted to announce that senior assistant Chuka Umunna has been elected to Parliament to represent Streatham.

Chuka was a member of the employment team at Rochman Landau LLP which acts for a wide range of clients including many Japanese multi-national household names, major UK retailers and recruitment agencies.

Howard Lewis-Nunn, Rochman Landau's Head of Employment said:

"Everyone at the firm is so pleased for Chuka. We have no doubt that with the exper... read more

Election news

4th May 2010

The most recent edition of the Law Society Gazette identified more than 20 constituencies where solicitors are standing as candidates in the forthcoming election.

One of those is Chuka Umunna, whom the Law Society nominates as being "among the most high-profile solicitor candidates.."

Chuka is the Labour candidate for Streatham.

Equality Bill

8th Apr 2010

 

The Equality Bill was one of the last major pieces of legislation to pass through Parliament before the general election was called. It will go now for Royal assent and so, unless the next Parliament takes steps to repeal it, most of its provisions will take effect from October 2010.
 
Most of this Bill is a “tidying up” exercise to consolidate the existing discrimination law into one Act. The characteristics protected by the present anti discrimination legislation have not... read more

Maternity and Additional Paternity Leave – the right to share

5th Mar 2010

 

 

Changes to the arrangements for maternity and paternity leave are due to be introduced next month. The draft regulations have been published, and only the general election being called earlier than expected is likely to prevent them reaching the statute books. However, while these changes are being introduced this year, the right to share will only apply for children due on or after 3 April 2011. This will give employers time to adjust to these changes. Similar arrangements ... read more

In brief

26th Jan 2010

 

If the weather outside is frightful…
 
Dealing with employees who cannot get to work because of the weather
  
The weather has long been a British obsession and the prolonged snow and ice this winter (and the threat of more to come) has been a real headache for employers. Icy roads and disruption to public transport has meant many employees have been unable to get to work. The bad weather has had a double impact on employers with not only higher than normal staff absence bu... read more

Swine Flu - FAQs

12th Nov 2009

 

With predictions that the spread of swine flu is likely to increase in autumn it is important to keep a sense of proportion about the risk. The employment team have considered some of the more frequently asked questions to help guide employers in dealing with the threat of swine flu affecting their business. The employment team can also help your business prepare a policy for dealing with swine flu in the workplace.
 
 
Q. Why should I worry about swine flu affecting my busi... read more