Here we are, nearly halfway through Day 2 of the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition.  In one of my pre-event blogs I asked the question “is this conference relevant to an employment lawyer?  Is an employment lawyer relevant to this conference? I had a fantastic day yesterday attending the opening keynote speech (“Trust and why it is key for success”), … READ MORE…

I’m getting ready for action at the CIPD Annual Conference tomorrow and Thursday.  Last week, I mentioned some of the exhibitors who have the unglamorous (and often difficult) messages to get out there. Today, I’m here to remind conference goers that looking after your people properly starts with the absolute basics.  I hate to be the one to break this … READ MORE…

  This will be my first time at a CIPD event since returning to legal practice and I cannot wait to get stuck in.  After 5 years in HR roles, I took up the position of Joint-CEO and Principal Solicitor here at YESS Law, a leading employment law practice, in June 2018. What is there at conference for me?  Is … READ MORE…

      We are delighted and extremely proud to have been named as one of The Times 200 Best Law Firms 2019! We are one of just 30 legal service providers listed for employment law expertise, as recommended by other lawyers. For us to be recognised alongside leading commercial firms, confirms that our unique approach to resolving employment disputes … READ MORE…

It is a very British thing – to be coy about disclosing what you earn. Why? Is it about status:  you might be earning less than your mates.  Is there embarrassment for high earners about being paid so much?  Or is it just ‘the way things are’ – with no rational explanation. Lack of transparency may suit some employers who … READ MORE…

Following today’s Carrie Gracie announcement, we are delighted to be working with the Fawcett Society to advise lower paid women on equal pay, starting later this year. The full text of the Fawcett Society press release concerning today’s Carrie Gracie announcement follows: Carrie Gracie donates BBC backdated pay to Fawcett Society to support women fighting for Equal Pay Former BBC … READ MORE…

I am so pleased to have taken up the position of Joint-CEO with Emma Webster, with effect from 11th June 2018.  It is an immense privilege to take over this position from Camilla Palmer QC, and to continue the valuable work of YESS Law since it was founded in 2014.  We are fortunate to have Camilla’s continuing support and input … READ MORE…

YESS is 4 years old and thriving – just the right time for a new Joint CEO, Karen Teago (starting in June), to develop it further with Emma Webster and for me to step back.  Karen will be brilliant and already has lots of exciting ideas for YESS. It will be great to help (not interfere…) if/where I can.  I … READ MORE…

The European Advocate General’s opinion in the case of Porras Guisado v Bankia SA ( Case-102/16)) – includes stating that pregnancy women are protected from Day 1 even if the employer is unaware of the pregnancy – is very welcome. It is shocking that 54,000 women (1 in 9) lose their jobs each year for pregnancy or maternity leave reasons. … READ MORE…

  Managing Conflict: resolution in the workplace & Life’s too short to litigate There will always be conflict in the workplace. Sometimes it is constructive where there are debates about ideas, workplace practices, digital developments and so on. Sometimes it is destructive where it becomes or is perceived to be bullying, harassment, discrimination, unfairness.  In a world where workers are … READ MORE…