Good morning, Everyone,

A number of important topics in this week’s MMD. Sam and Nils bring you cases involving the regulation of crypto currency ATM operators, and a modern slavery and human trafficking case involving McDonalds.

Also, don’t miss Daniel’s update on the Employment Rights Bill! He discusses key changes such as the removal of the two-year qualifying requirement for unfair dismissal rights.

In the news we take a further look at McDonald’s involvement in the human trafficking case, and its implication for employers. Don’t forget to check out our exciting lineup of upcoming events and seminars that will keep you up to date on the latest developments in employment law.

THE MMD PODCAST

Episode 40: Chains

Join Sam and Nils this week as Nils discusses a recent case involving the regulation of crypto currency ATM operators, and Sam reviews the recent modern slavery and human trafficking case involving McDonalds Restaurant and other major supermarket chains.

Listen to the episode here: https://spoti.fi/485rDPL

THE MEDIA HUB

Employment Rights Bill – Don’t Dismiss the Detail!

The Government has now introduced the Employment Rights Bill which, amongst many other things, removes the two-year qualifying requirement for unfair dismissal rights. In this video, we look at the intricacies of these provisions and the proposed introduction of probationary periods. we also explore fire and rehire/replace provisions and the potential for significant restrictions to apply on variations of contract.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/IN6oVWbOJwg

Spotting Signs of Modern Slavery: What Employers Should Take Away from McDonald’s Human Trafficking Case

A recent BBC report revealed that McDonald’s and a UK bakery failed to detect signs of human trafficking at their sites for over four years. From 2012 to 2019, a Czech gang forced 16 victims to work in harsh conditions, with some clocking in up to 100-hour weeks. The victims, unable to speak English, had their job applications and interviews controlled by the gang. Their wages were paid into accounts not in their names, with multiple victims sharing one bank account.

Though the gang members are now behind bars, and McDonald’s have responded to the case with assurance that they are strengthening their safeguarding policies, the BBC’s reporting should serve as an impetus for employers and HR professionals to amp up their vigilance around modern slavery and human trafficking.

Signs of Human Trafficking:

• Excessive working hours
• Wages paid into a bank account under someone else’s name
• Workers without access to personal documents like passports or visas
• Anxious or withdrawn workers, reluctant to share personal details
• Signs of mistreatment or malnourishment
• Workers escorted to and from work, or who have someone else speak for them

Preventive Mechanisms for Employers:

• Use only trusted, licensed recruitment agencies
• Conduct interviews without third-party involvement
• Assess workers’ knowledge of their rights, visa status, and control of personal documents
• Establish confidential reporting channels for victims or concerned employees to safely report trafficking-related concerns.

The BBC report should serve as a stark reminder to employers to be vigilant to the signs of human trafficking and modern slavery at their sites. Employers should be especially vigilant if they work in high-risk industries such as agriculture and construction. Though current UK law lacks the necessary rigour to fully tackle international trafficking networks, employers need to be actively safeguarding their employees against trafficking and modern slavery. If they successfully implement these measures, employers can be key players in disrupting international trafficking and protecting workers from exploitation.

Read the full report: McDonald’s and supermarkets failed to spot slavery – BBC News

UPCOMING EVENTS

We have several exciting events and seminars lined up that you won’t want to miss:

• 17^th Oct, 8:30 AM | Sedulo Leeds Office
  Incentivising Employees with Sedulo
• 20^th Nov, 8:30 AM | Weetwood Hall Estate, Leeds
  Mock Tribunal Event on Menopause and Age Discrimination
• 21^st Nov, 8:30 AM | OE Electrics, Wakefield
  Post-Election Update with Wakefield Manufacturing Forum

For more details and how to register please visit our website:

www.chadwicklawrence.co.uk/seminars/business-services-seminars/

Or email: seminars@chadlaw.co.uk