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Articles by Katherine Maxwell
When a “conditional” job offer becomes binding
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) in Kankanalapalli v Loesche Energy Systems Ltdhas given an interesting judgment on the legal effect of the relatively common problems caused by the withdrawal of a “conditional” job offer before actual commencement of employment. The decision emphasises the distinction between conditions precedent and conditions subsequent, and confirms that employers may be required to give reasonable notice even where employment has not yet begun.
Vento bands update for 2026/2027
The Presidents of the Employment Tribunals for England and Wales have published updated Vento bands for awards for injury to feelings and psychiatric injury. With effect from April 2026, the bands have been updated to reflect inflation, using the Retail Prices Index (RPI). The updated bands apply to Employment Tribunal claims presented on or after 6 April 2026.
Reaffirming Trust in Elections: Virginia Takes the Lead
As Richmond’s General Registrar and Electoral Board, our shared responsibility is to ensure that elections in our city are conducted securely, accurately, transparently, and with equal access for all voters. We know firsthand how much work goes into building and maintaining public confidence in the process.
The Low Pay Commission publishes policy paper
Low Pay Commission confirms approach to updated remit on recommending increases to NLW and NMW and increases taking effect from 1 April 2025. On 5 September 2024, the Low Pay Commission (LPC) published a policy paper confirming how it intends to tackle its updated remit in relation to advising the government on the national living wage (NLW) and national minimum wage (NMW). The LPC is an independent statutory body set up to monitor and evaluate the NMW and make recommendations for change.
Labour plans to make radical changes to employment rights
With the Labour Party now in power, we take an in-depth look at their proposed key employment reforms. The Labour Government are committed to delivering on policies as set out in the Plan to Make Work Pay. During the King’s Speech on 17 July 2024, two employment law related bills were announced, the Employment Rights Bill and a draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill. These reforms are poised to significantly impact both workers and businesses across the nation.
Addressing Green Gentrification: Actions and Recommendations for Global Cities
SUMMARY FOR POLICYMAKERS Across the world, cities are investing in measures to both mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis. While these interventions provide multiple benefits, the expansion and enhancement of green infrastructure is also exacerbating social, racial, and economic inequalities and leaving lower-income residents at risk of being physically displaced by high-cost real estate that they cannot afford.
Radical change to employment rights
In Labour’s 2021 Employment Rights Green Paper [1], the party makes a series of pledges to implement several policies within its first 100 days in office if elected. These pledges represent a radical change to employment rights.
Employment allocation of tips bill
Insights / Blog Moore Barlow insights What you need to know about the allocation of tips bill On 2nd May 2023, the Employment Allocation of Tips Bill received Royal Assent. Once it comes into effect, it will be unlawful for employers to hold back service charges from their workers and requires them to ensure that all tips are allocated fairly between its workers. The government estimates that £200 million a year will go back into the pockets of hospitality staff as a result of the changes.
Are employees entitled to flexible working?
One of the significant changes that we have seen in recent years is the broad acceptance that office working Monday-to-Friday is largely a thing of the past. Things have moved on significantly in terms of technology providing greater flexibility and employees demanding it. This development has gathered pace since the pandemic, with job applicants and employees in most sectors now having an expectation that flexible working will be available and demanding it as such.
Tech companies preparing for growth
Insight bite: Tech companies preparing for growth Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, tech firms remain focused on growth, with a large majority planning to invest in expansion in the next 12 months. And, with a sizeable portion looking to sell in the years ahead, the sector is poised for significant deals activity.
State of play for businesses
People-centric business plans A fifth of employers are reviewing salaries in efforts to provide greater and a further 25% are looking to provide more benefits to workers. “For businesses investing in growth, a big priority is staff and talent retention. But it’s currently proving very difficult to get the right people to service the demand that exists. Better pay is the obvious answer, but not every business can afford to keep increasing salaries.
Building back hospitality
A firm focus on growth The most popular funding option is crowdfunding (38%), with other popular routes including seeking venture capital or private equity investment (34%), friends and family investment (also 34%) and initial public offerings (IPOs) (28%). Only 1% of respondents said they were not seeking any kind of external investment. “It’s encouraging to see the appetite for growth in the sector, and interesting to see the diverse range of investment options being pursued.
Why workplace culture should be the basis for initiatives to support employees' wellbeing
What should employers consider when implementing initiatives to support and enhance the wellbeing of their employees? Katherine Maxwell, partner and head of employment at law firm Moore Barlow, explores the issues The pandemic has had a significant impact on people’s lives and for many this includes their career and current job position.
Managing the end of furlough: common questions answered
The pandemic has thrown all it’s got at employers – both at their business and all the people involved in it. While the Chancellor has announced changes to the Job Support Scheme, offering more support for businesses and workers in tier 2 areas, there remains a great deal of confusion around the issue and the end of the furlough scheme. For those employers who will not be taking up the Job Support Scheme in November, we've answered some of the most common questions.
Keeping up with legislation amid Covid-19
The business world is a spinning ball: employers are dizzily beset with constantly changing government guidelines and legislation, while employees, just as they get their heads around working from home, are now being asked to return to the office after all. Furlough is in fashion for now, but as the focus shifts inexorably back to the workplace, Covid-19 has set an Olympic-high bar for health and safety standards at work.
Restrictive covenants: are these always enforceable by the employer?
Restrictive covenants: are these always enforceable by the employer? Katherine Maxwell, April 26, 2012 Restrictive covenants and non-solicitation clauses are unpopular with employees – and employers are always concerned that, when put to the test, their contracts may not be enforceable. Many employers have non-solicitation clauses in their employment contracts, to prevent former employees soliciting their customers in the event that their employment is terminated.
Managing pregnancy and parental leave
In recent months, there has been heightened public awareness of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) being used in maternity and paternity-related situations in the workplace to prevent employees discussing their experiences. While recent studies suggest that three in four mothers have experienced some form of maternity or pregnancy discrimination each year, many feel they cannot speak out about their experiences because they have signed an NDA as part of their settlement agreement.
How will CEO pay gap reporting affect you?
When it comes to income inequality, the UK is one of the most unequal countries in Europe. Analysis by the CIPD and the High Pay Centre shows just how big the pay gap is: in 2017 a CEO was paid, on average, 145 times more than their employees, compared with 128 times more in 2016 and 146 times more in 2015. The analysis also found that, between 2016 and 2017, full-time workers’ median earnings increased by 2 per cent, whereas the average FTSE 100 CEO saw an 11 per cent increase in pay.
Drug and alcohol tests: what employers need to know
Barratt Developments recently announced it would introduce randomised drug and alcohol testing for staff to combat increased risks on building sites. But introducing such a policy is not without its challenges, as Katherine Maxwell from Moore Blatch explains. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that around one in 12 adults aged 16 to 59 in England and Wales took an illicit drug in the past year.
Redundancy should never be a ‘cloak’ for dismissal
Sadly, redundancy has been in the news a lot recently, largely due to high-profile high-street stores having to cut staff. Whether you are having to make one or 1,000 employees redundant, it is an unenviable task and therefore must be carried out with the utmost care, ideally backed by professional advice.
Tribunal win 'shows dangers of not respecting retirement wishes'
Company accountant receives £182,000 for age discrimination after being pushed out of job Legal experts are warning that trying to force employees to retire against their will could lead to hefty payouts, after a former company accountant won £182,000 for age discrimination. John Peters successfully argued in a Liverpool tribunal that his former employer, Rock Oil, had unfairly dismissed and discriminated against him in a bid to get the now 69-year-old to retire.
Adapting to the gig economy
It can offer wins for both workers and businesses, but only if organisations adjust to the gig economy’s new working relationships CIPD research released in March found that 63 per cent of gig economy workers thought the government should make changes to guarantee a ‘basic level’ of rights for individuals who are engaged on short-term contracts or freelance work, such as the minimum wage and holiday pay. The gig economy is a political hot potato.
How to use internal social networks
Smart organisations are turning to social media to boost collaboration. People Management explains how to choose the right network for you, and the secrets of a smooth roll-out Whether you’re seeking solace or approval, it’s second nature these days to ping out a tweet or post a photo on Instagram in the hope of receiving validation or support from strangers on the other side of the globe.
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