Blog
The FCA’s Enforcement Watch 2 and what it means for the financial services industry
James Alleyne
28 June 2023
Whistleblowing protection as a key consideration of investigations best practice
Many internal investigations begin when an individual blows the whistle on suspected malpractice or wrongdoing in the workplace. A huge range of issues can be raised by whistle-blowers, and how the whistle-blower’s own rights are dealt with is a crucial consideration when scoping an investigation. To mark World Whistle-blowers’ Day on 23 June, Emmanuelle Ries and Caroline Day provide a whistle stop tour of the key features of whistleblowing protection in the UK and in Europe.
13 June 2023
The four-day week: handling requests
The jury is still out on whether the four-day week will remain the exception rather than the rule in future. In February, we learned that the majority of UK companies that took part in a six-month pilot in 2022 (offering employees a shorter working week on full pay for the same level of productivity) voted to continue with the trial, with 18 companies deciding to introduce the model permanently.
31 May 2023
How should employers respond to complaints of bullying in the workplace?
There is currently no specific legislation in the UK that defines bullying, or provides a comprehensive framework for addressing it. This issue has come into particular focus following the resignation of Dominic Raab, who criticised the inquiry into his behaviours as setting the threshold for bullying “so low” he said it created a dangerous precedent.
31 May 2023
Company investigations: Common traps and how to avoid them
Company investigations are often fraught with issues and there is much to consider. Those in charge are commonly afforded very little time before having to proceed. It therefore pays to be aware of some of the potential pitfalls at the outset.
23 May 2023
Law firms and preventing sexual harassment in the workplace
Despite various regulatory changes, firms can do more to prevent sexual harassment
Sexual harassment in the workplace has attracted growing concern globally over the past five years. The House of Commons Women and Equalities Select Committee (WESC) inquiry in July 2018 triggered a parliamentary debate around the need for stricter duties for employers to prevent unwanted sexual behaviour at work. In parallel, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has prioritised tackling sexual misconduct in law firms and recent changes to its Codes of Conduct emphasise the expectation on firms to foster a culture of zero tolerance to counter-inclusive behaviours, including sexual misconduct.
