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Potential Problems at Christmas Time
The Labour Relations Agency Workplace Information Service receives enquiries every Christmas from businesses with questions and problems.
To help you prepare and avoid potential issues we have compiled some frequently asked questions which we receive each Christmas season.
Antenatal Care
All pregnant employees are entitled to time off to keep appointments for antenatal care made on the advice of a registered medical practitioner, registered midwife or registered health visitor.
A person in a qualifying relationship with the pregnant employee is entitled to unpaid time off work to accompany the expectant mother to two antenatal appointments.
Induction
When an employee starts work, the employer has a duty of care towards them. This includes making sure that they can do the job safely and competently.
Bullying and harassment
Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect at work. Bullying or harassment of any kind should not be tolerated.
Mediation
An independent mediator can sometimes help resolve grievance or disciplinary issues. There is no charge for using the Labour Relations Agency's mediation service.
Calculation of Holiday entitlement for Term Time/Part year Workers
The Supreme Court decision handed down in the case of Harpur Trust v Brazel on 20th July 2022 has now provided clarity on how statutory leave entitlement for workers who are described as part year workers (i.e. workers who work for varying hours during only certain weeks of the year but have a continuing contract throughout that year), should be calculated.
Qualifying periods
Most people are entitled to the rights outlined below. However, in many cases, qualifying conditions must be fulfilled before a right may be claimed. Some rights apply to all employees as soon as they start work; others depend on factors such as length of service, continuity of employment and activities in addition to the job, for example, union work.
Increase in statutory rates and limits on tribunal awards 2024
April sees the increase to the National living and minimum wage rates, minimum rates for agricultural workers, statutory redundancy pay, statutory payments including SSP and limits on tribunal awards.
No 242 The Posted Workers (Enforcement of Employment Rights) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016
These Regulations come into force on 18 June 2016 and extend to Northern Ireland only.
No 953 The National Minimum Wage (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2016
These Regulations amend the National Minimum Wage Regulations 2015 and come into force on 1st October 2016.