Jackamans is open for business

Face-to-face meetings

We are very pleased to advise that all of our offices are now open for face-to-face client consultations and we encourage clients to contact us to arrange meetings.  As we are sure you will appreciate, all meetings have to be on a strict appointment-only basis and all visitors will be asked to observe our strict distancing and hygiene rules in line with Government’s guidelines.  However, if you are self-isolating, our lawyers will still be very happy to give advice over the telephone or internet.

Remote working

A significant proportion of employees in the UK moved to working from home in accordance with the Government guidelines and many companies and individuals found this change to be positive.  Going forward it is anticipated that many will wish to continue with this arrangement – for employees, saving in time taken travelling to work and enjoying the more flexible way of working, and reduced overheads for employers. However, with the recent further relaxation of the social distancing rules, many employers will be asking employees to return to their regular working arrangements from their offices.

Employees can request a homeworking arrangement and employers will need to consider such requests carefully. The Flexible Working Regulations 2002 originally gave employees the right to request flexible working if they had responsibility for caring for children under the age of six or for disabled children under 18. These regulations were amended with affect from 6 April 2009 to cover employees with children under 17 and employees with responsibility for caring for adult family members. The regulations still do not give employees an enforceable right to work flexibly, instead those employees have the right to make such a request for the purpose of carrying out their caring responsibilities.

Of course not all employees or jobs will be suitable for remote working. The type of work that lends itself to remote working includes work that can be done at home without adversely affecting any service to clients or customers. It may also be important to have performance measurement indicators in-built.

Ever improving technology and leaps in online communication have made it easier than ever for employees to work remotely. However, while flexible working options can make good business practice for both large and small employers alike, it must always be remembered that both the role and the employee must be appropriate if is to be a success.

Please continue to follow the Government’s latest advice and stay safe.  Our very best wishes.