This chapter examines the issues concerning contracts of employment. It begins by looking at how employment law disputes are resolved, namely by discussing the role of employment tribunals and the Employment Appeal Tribunal, and how they fit into the courts structure discussed in Chapter 2. The chapter than discusses the difference between employees and independent contractors, and looks at the status of several special classes of worker. An examination of the terms of the contract then takes place, including a discussion of express terms, and the terms that are implied that relate to the conduct of the employer and employee.
Chapter
25. The contract of employment
Chapter
19. Transfers of Undertakings
This chapter examines the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE). It first assesses the legal position prior to the introduction of the European Acquired Rights Directive 2001, which is the source of TUPE. It then analyses the principal implications of TUPE and its provisions. It considers the circumstances when TUPE will apply and the extent to which TUPE has been interpreted progressively to include economic transactions and arrangements which transcend the transfer of an organization’s business and assets. The chapter also examines the impact of TUPE on the contract of employment, and discusses the information and consultation obligations imposed on transferors.
Chapter
23. Statutory and Common Law Regulation of the Conditions of Employment
This chapter continues from the discussion of the obligations on employers to adhere to the Equality Act (EA) 2010 and protect their workers from discrimination and harassment, to a wider consideration of the regulation of conditions of employment. Legislation places many obligations on employers, and they are increasingly subject to statutory controls that provide for a minimum wage to be paid to workers, for regulation as to the maximum number of hours workers may be required to work, and for the protection of workers’ health and safety. In the event of an employer’s insolvency, the rights of employees are identified, and finally, the mechanisms for employers to protect their business interests in the contract of employment are considered.
Chapter
4. Alternative Personal Work Contracts and Relations
This chapter first examines the two statutory constructs occupying an intermediate position between the employment contract and contract for services that have been formulated by the UK Parliament as a repository for the conferral of certain statutory employment rights. These two statutorily recognized personal work contracts—the ‘worker’ contract and the ‘contract personally to do work’—are intermediate contract types, lying somewhere between the contract of employment and the contract for services. The discussion here is situated within the context of the controversy surrounding the growing numbers of atypical working contracts, such as contracts entered into by ‘gig economy’ workers, ‘zero-hours’ workers, casual workers, etc. The chapter then turns to address the legal status of agency workers. It examines whether the Agency Workers Regulations 2010 address the disadvantages experienced by this section of the UK workforce.
Book
Roseanne Russell
The Concentrate Questions and Answers series offers the best preparation for law students tackling exam questions. Each book includes typical questions, bullet-pointed answer plans, suggested answers, author commentary, and illustrative diagrams and flowcharts. This book offers clear advice on what to expect in typical employment law exams. It addresses a wide range of employment law topics that are most often encountered in employment law courses, including questions on ‘mixed’ topics. The book provides sample essay and problem questions to allow students to practise and refine exam skills. These are supported by suggested answers and diagram plans. Detailed author commentary explains what examiners are looking for, traps to avoid, and how students can best achieve their potential. This book also includes separate chapters on skills and tips for success in both exams and in coursework assessments. It is an ideal tool to help support revision or to use throughout studies to help review learning.
Chapter
9. Transfer of Undertakings
This chapter considers the transfer of undertakings. It looks at the background and at the legislation, including the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 and the Collective Redundancies and Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (Amendment) Regulations 2014. It discusses what counts as a transfer of a business or undertaking, considering service provision changes and transfers within the public administration. Also covered are the mechanics and effects of the transfer, including statutory rights and the effect on the contract of employment; dismissal on transfers and ETO reasons (economic, organisational or technological reason); refusing a transfer; employee liability information; and remedy for failure to notify employee liability information. It also looks at the effect of transfers on collective agreements and insolvency rights.
