The Court of Appeal has held that where an employee failed to appeal against her dismissal for redundancy, but then sought to raise a grievance, she reasonably believed that a dismissal or disciplinary procedure was ongoing when the original time limit for bringing a tribunal claim expired. The time limit was therefore extended by three months.

Research by IRS sheds light on how employers obtain information about the absence and medical details of their potential recruits, what recruiters do with these details, and the costs involved.

We provide a round-up of case reports added to XpertHR this week, covering variation of contract and TUPE transfers.

Vodafone aims to create a highly motivated workforce through its people plans for every management area and engagement activities across the UK.

Many employers undertake detailed background checks when recruiting, particularly to positions of trust; research by IRS looks at the methods they use, focusing in particular on references and Criminal Records Bureau disclosures.

Roger Tynan, partner at Maclay Murray and Spens, offers advice for employers dealing with carers in the workforce.

Martin Warren, head of employment law at Eversheds, answers questions on whistleblowing policies.

Global assignments are a great way to keep staff engaged, but they need to be handled carefully, discovers Personnel Today.

Introducing a 360-degree assessment system is all very well, but it won't deliver unless training needs are addressed.

Law firm SAS Daniels has captured the power of social networking to share knowledge across the organisation. And HR has reaped the benefits, reports Personnel Today.

Employment Law Bulletin consultant editor Darren Newman argues that piecemeal developments to our discrimination legislation have left the law in disarray.

We provide guidance on the recent amendments to the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 relating to harassment, rights during maternity leave and the definition of discrimination on grounds of pregnancy or maternity leave.

The Court of Appeal has confirmed that, in order for a contract to be tainted by illegality, there must be some form of misrepresentation by the parties.

Since the Skills Pledge was launched 10 months ago, uptake has been relatively low. Could it be the government has set its sights too low?

Claire Birkinshaw of Abbey Legal Protection explains employers' rights when recouping unreturned company property.

Jonathan Cracknell, an associate at DLA Piper, answers questions on employers' rights regarding alcohol and drug testing.

The Government has published updated guidance summarising the rights of pregnant employees and their employers and their responsibilities towards one another.

Corporate social responsibility is old hat - the new buzzword is "sustainability". For HR, this could be an opportunity to add real value to the organisation.