They cover:

• the “wage-work bargain” and its significance in defining employment relationships;
• legal principles governing wage deductions under the Employment Rights Act; and
• complex scenarios where employees are unable to work due to external circumstances, such as suspensions or criminal trials, with references to the recent well-publicised litigation between Benjamin Mendy and Manchester City FC.

If you would like more information or want to discuss any of the topics in this podcast, please get in touch with Matthew and Isobel. 

Episode summary:

In the latest Macfarlanes HR podcast, Matthew Ramsey and Isobel Lewis discuss key issues surrounding wages in employment law. They start by looking at the “wage-work bargain” and its central role in employment contracts, outlining the obligations it creates for both employers and employees.

Next, they examine the rules around wage deductions, stressing the importance of transparency and ensuring compliance with the Employment Rights Act.

They conclude with a discussion on how wage entitlements apply when employees cannot work, noticing how situations like suspensions or legal investigations can complicate wage obligations. This highlights the need for clear definitions and careful management of wage agreements to ensure both legal compliance and fairness in the workplace.