Virgin blouse wars

New uniforms issued to female staff working on Virgin Trains has resulted in a protest. Some employees claim it includes a “flimsy” and “revealing” red blouse that they believe would allow passengers to see any dark coloured underwear. The company has reportedly responded to concerns by offering vouchers for the purchase of lighter coloured bras.

This article looks at the legal issues surrounding dress code in the workplace – and considers whether Virgin could be opening itself up to claims of indirect discrimination by its choice of uniform.

If you’re responsible for preventing any kind of discrimination in your workplace, you may find this Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy useful.

 

Apprentice winner loses employment tribunal

Stella English, the winner of The Apprentice 2010, lodged a claim for constructive dismissal against her employer, Alan Sugar. She took the case to an employment tribunal, arguing that she had been demeaned and patronised by the management team at Viglen, an IT services firm in Sugar’s group of companies. In particular, she claimed that the CEO Bordan Tkachuk treated her with contempt and told her on the first day: “There is no job.“

But the tribunal dismissed the claims brought by Miss English, noting that she initially resigned without notice  and was later reinstated by Sir Alan in a different company, YouView, only to resign again four months later before telling her story to a newspaper. Commenting on the decision, Lord Sugar said “I have been cleared of a derisory attempt to smear my name and extract money from me. The allegations were without substance, and I believe this case was brought with one intention in mind: the presumption that I would not attend the tribunal, that I would not testify and that I would settle out of court, sending Ms English on her way with a tidy settlement. I’m afraid she underestimated me and her reputation is now in tatters. I have principles and I am not going to be forced to compromise them, no matter how much time and money they might cost me.“

To avoid many misunderstanding in the workplace, which could potentially lead to constructive dismissal claims, it’s important that your company has well written disciplinary and grievance rules and procedures that comply with the ACAS Code of Practice. This set of downloadable template documents can help you manage disciplinary and grievance issues.

 

Company fined after employee loses finger

Glass company Bloomsbury Glass Limited has been fined £2,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4,928 following an accident at their factory in which an employee, Asif Hussain, lost his finger. Mr Hussein’s ring finger was so badly crushed by a machine that it had to be amputated in hospital. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the machine in question had not been properly guarded.

Commenting, HSE inspector Amy Kalay said “Guards and safety systems are there for a reason and companies have a legal duty of care to ensure they are properly fitted and working effectively at all times. The importance of robust safeguards to protect works cannot be overstated.“

If you are responsible for health and safety matters in your workplace, you may like to take a look at this set of template risk assessment forms - it could save you time and money!

 

Estate agents renting out sub-standard accommodation

An investigation by BBC’s Inside Out found that two high street estate agents have allegedly been renting out sub-standard “beds in sheds” housing without residential planning permission. It seems that a garage without external windows was rented out to a young family, whilst another garage conversion without planning permission was being advertised as “stunning, newly refurbished, bright and airy”.

Commenting on the discovery, property ombudsman Christopher Hamer said: “A letting agent is the professional in the transaction. It’s the agent’s responsibility to make further inquiries to be more diligent in understanding the status of that property before they describe it to prospective tenants. Based on their experience, if they see something that’s not right in terms of the residential status of that property, they need to be more diligent than normal.“

It’s essential to ensure that any property you are renting out not only meets required standards, but that you have prepared all the relevant documentation. This set of documents is easy to use and covers all aspects of residential property management, from approving tenants through granting a tenancy to terminating the letting.

 

High Court bans BitTorrent sites

The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) has succeeded in obtaining a court order requiring the UK’s major internet service providers (ISPs) to block three BitTorrent websites – Kickass Torrents, H33T and Fenopy - which allegedly offer links to pirated material.

While the BPI said the sites in question infringe copyright on a “significant scale“, others argue that blocking sites in this way is ineffective and does not deal with the issue comprehensively. Commenting, Loz Kaye, the leader of Pirate Party UK, said the BPI was “out of control” and that the “UK has now handed the power over what we see on the internet to corporate lobbyists.“

Although piracy is endemic in this digital age, these Copyright Legal Documents can assist individuals and businesses in managing and protecting their copyright.

 

Republic acquired by Sports Direct

Sports Direct has purchased Republic for an undisclosed sum, just two weeks after the ailing fashion retailer went into administration. The deal is set to safeguard over 2,100 jobs.

Commenting on the news, Hunter Kelly, joint administrator from accountancy group Ernst & Young, said “The brand Republic is well recognised and well respected by customers for offering quality, high-fashion goods and it is a testament to its strength that Sports Direct has made this investment to secure its future and High Street presence.“

These template Company, Asset or Business Sale Documents have been created for companies that are selling their entire business or the shares in their business.

 

Whisky fire results in fine

Scotch whisky manufacturer The Edrington Group Limited has been fined £40,000 after a fire broke out in a warehouse. Thousands of litres of the highly flammable spirit went up in flames following an accident involving a pumping hose and the ceiling lights.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) discovered that the central aisle lights in the warehouse should not have been used in a flammable atmosphere and that the filling equipment was not suitable for use to transfer a hazardous substance like alcohol at pressure. The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

Commenting, HSE Inspector David Stephen said “Had the company taken the simple steps of checking the light fittings were suitable for use in a flammable atmosphere and that the equipment used to transfer the alcohol was fit for purpose this incident could have been prevented.“

All businesses should ensure that they follow a systematic method of looking at work activities, assessing what could go wrong and deciding what controls need to implemented in order to prevent loss, damage or injury. This set of template risk assessment forms can help.