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10 legal issues arising from COVID-19 for private practitioners
Every sector of the economy in the UK and abroad is facing unprecedented challenges arising out of the current Covid-19 pandemic; the private healthcare sector is no exception. We have considered some of the legal issues that you may be facing in the current climate and how you might be able to respond to them.
Updates to Furlough Guidance
In the last week the government has released two further versions of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme guidance. The scheme is due to go live on Monday 20 April. We know some practices have been considering furloughing staff, although it is not entirely clear whether they are eligible.
(Another!) Update to the Job Retention Scheme
Yesterday afternoon (15 April 2020), the government published updated information about the job retention (furlough) scheme.
Furlough guidance has been updated
Late on Thursday 9 April 2020, the government released the third version of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme guidance. Here are Martin Cheyne's first impressions of the update.
Vicarious Liability and independent contractors – recent Supreme Court decisions
On 1 April 2020 the Supreme Court handed down two Judgments in Barclays Bank Plc v Various Claimants [2020] UKSC 13 and WM Morrisons Supermarkets Plc v Various Claimants [2020] UKSC 12 in which the Court appears to be moving against vicarious liability. This article sets out the decision in Barclays Bank and considers the independent contractor Defence.
Furlough Guidance Updated
The guidance for employers on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme was updated on 4 April 2020. The scheme allows employers to furlough staff and claim back part of their wages. The new guidance adds detail and some clarifications to the original HMRC guidance published on 26 March, but many questions remain.
Covid-19 employment law implications for your practice
We can help you with legal issues impacting your practice as a result of Covid-19 or the practice generally. Click here for details.
What contract to use when taking on staff
Are you considering taking on staff, but unsure about the basis on which to engage them? Should you opt for a free-lancer, or offer an employment contract? This article addresses the most common questions about employment status, with particular focus on the risks and benefits of self-employment.
Protection for whistleblowing
What has whistleblowing got to do with doctors working in private practice? Isn’t that an issue relating to doctors in employment only? The recent employment tribunal case of Shoukrey v BMI Healthcare Limited shows this is not the case, warns Paul Spencer.
Are your dentists really self-employed?
The issue of the self-employed status of associate dentists is also very much a hot topic at the moment – in particular, with a review HMRC has been conducting in recent times and the Employment Tribunal case of Mr A Lynn v. Damira Dental Studios Ltd.
Trusts and local partners taking bold approaches to overcome workforce challenges and meet local population need
The move to integrated care and partnership working between health and care organisations can help the sector to overcome severe workforce challenges, according to a new briefing from NHS Providers with input from Hempsons.
Time to say goodbye?
Julia Gray looks at how settlement agreements can be used effectively by employers.
GP locums may be eligible for holiday pay – Narayan v Community Based Care Health Limited
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has upheld an Employment Tribunal decision that a GP locum was a “worker” and was entitled to holiday pay.
Newsflash: The HSJ and Hempsons webinar on the Fit and Proper Person Test
The Fit and Proper Person Test is meant to ensure that anyone at director level in the NHS has the attributes and values needed for the job.