In this episode of the HR in Review Podcast, we cover two important employment law topics; we explore the Increases to civil penalties for employers engaging illegal workers and talk about the Statutory code of practice on ‘fire and rehire’ policies.
Joining Amelia Brand today is Stephen Mutch a Director of Employment and HR and Michael McNally an Associate Partner of Employment and HR, both from Pannone Corporate LLP.
Guest: Stephen Mutch, Director - Employment and HR, Pannone Corporate LLP
Stephan is the Director of the Employment Group at Pannone Corporate. Together with the whole of the Employment Group, he is committed to providing first class advice and assistance to HR professionals across a full range of companies thoughout the UK.
His specialties include: Ad-hoc HR advice, defending employment tribunal claims, advice on discrimination, unfair dismissal, changing terms and conditions and all disciplinary and grievance matters, seminar presentation on all employment law matters.
Questions for Stephen:
- Can you explain the civil penalties and why they’ve been increased?
- How can an employer avoid facing such penalties then? Can you give any advice over what an employer can do if they’re facing a fine?
- Are there any specific industries or sectors that are particularly vulnerable to employing illegal workers, and what steps can employers in these sectors take to mitigate this risk?
- How do increases in civil penalties impact the recruitment and hiring processes for employers with global operations or diverse workforces?
- What is the code of practice and how does this help prevent illegal working?
Guest: Michael McNally, Associate Partner - Employment and HR, Pannone Corporate LLP
Michael is an experienced commercial employment lawyer and tribunal advocate. He mainly acts for employers and have particular experience of advising in the manufacturing, retail, care, transport and logistics, leisure and hospitality sectors.
He is also an experienced workplace investigator having carried out a number of sensitive and high profile independent investigations. And has expertise in advising service providers on their obligations under the Equality Act.
Questions for Michael:
- Could you explain for our listeners exactly what is ‘fire and rehire?’ And why is it used?
- Have there been any recent high-profile cases when this practice has been adopted?
- So, a statutory Code of Practice was published in February this year, making clear how employers must behave in this area. Why has this code been issued exactly?
- What are the potential liabilities for employers considering such a process? What does the statutory code mean for employers in practice?
- Can you discuss any potential long-term effects of fire and rehire practices on employee retention and talent acquisition?
What is HR in Review?
HR in Review is a podcast that brings you interviews with leading HR practitioners, academics and consultants. We cover a host of HR related topics like HR strategy, technology, recruitment, training, diversity, employment law, reward and wellbeing. Guests also share personal experiences and career tips, resulting in a varied and interesting discussion which we hope will provide you with useful and actionable advice, while also being an enjoyable and stimulating listen.
HR in Review is produced by the leading UK HR website www.hrreview.co.uk