The Archive (2020-2023)

COVID-19: Flexible working

COVID-19 has brought unprecedented disruption to normal working arrangements. As businesses adapt to the changing environment, they need to keep in mind the legal framework. In the sixth and final podcast in this series, Dave Rintoul and Clare Fletcher consider the law on flexible working, whether it is fit for purpose in the current climate, and some key practical issues for employers.

COVID-19: In conversation with Razia Khan of Standard Chartered Bank

In this podcast Razia Khan, a leading Chief Economist for Africa and Middle East at Standard Chartered Bank focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on economies in Africa.

COVID-19: Employee absence and holidays

Sickness, self-isolation and shielding are just some of the types of absence employers are grappling with as a result of COVID-19. With holiday season now upon us, and the possibility of quarantine after international travel, the challenges are mounting. In the fifth podcast in this series, Katherine Flower and Clare Fletcher navigate a number of COVID-related absence scenarios and provide practical solutions for employers.

Recent pension law developments - August 2020

This podcast provides a useful roundup of three pensions law developments over the last month. It covers the latest guidance on GMP equalisation; an important European Court decision on data transfers outside the EEA; and the latest decision concerning the Safeway pension scheme regarding equalisation of normal retirement age.

COVID-19: Redundancies

The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is worsening, and with government support tapering off, businesses need to reassess their options. In this podcast, Phil Linnard and Clare Fletcher explore the impact of the COVID on redundancy planning and implementation, and highlight some key issues for employers to take on board.

COVID-19: Working from home

In our third COVID-19 employment podcast, Lizzie Twigger and Clare Fletcher discuss the law and guidance on homeworking, how this can impact the workplace culture, and some key takeaways for employers.

Recent pension law developments

Richard Goldstein provides a useful round-up of recent developments in pensions law over the last month. Topics covered included the Pensions Regulator’s guidance on reporting requirements, following the end of its COVID-19 related easements; the deadlines for fiduciary management and investment consultancy compliance statements; and the pensions impact of the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act 2020.

COVID-19: Employee testing

As more businesses resume their operations after lockdown, testing for COVID-19 is at the forefront of measures to prevent a second spike of infections. In our second COVID-19 employment podcast, Philippa O’Malley and Clare Fletcher discuss the impact of testing on employers, and what practical steps can be taken to protect both staff and businesses.

COVID-19: Employee health and safety

COVID-19 has created new challenges for employers in protecting the health and safety of their employees. In this podcast, the first in a new COVID-19 employment series, Padraig Cronin and Clare Fletcher discuss the legal and practical issues surrounding risk assessments, PPE, commuting, and employee engagement.

M&A activity in the COVID-19 and post COVID-19 world

In this podcast, David Watkins and Ellie Mackay consider the impact which the COVID-19 crisis will have in the short to medium term, as well as some of the factors that will influence deal structure and terms.