We have put togther a list of 10 assignment topics
and ideas on employment and equality HR for you. Please feel free to use these
topics to aid you in your HR studies.
Example Assignment Topics &
Ideas
1. Agency workers
have created a significant and controversial problem in employment HR. A
discussion on the development of an agency worker's legal status and employment
rights
This assignment topic will explore whether the
Agency Worker Regulations 2010 satisfactorily deal with the protections that
are to be afforded to agency worker. The problem is that the use of the agency
worker has created another layer on who is an employee, which has traditionally
enabled to use agency workers to avoid employment legislation. One could argue
in the light of Franks v Reuters Limited and another [2003] IRLR 423 and Dacas
v Brook Street [2004] EWCA Civ 217 this is no longer the case. However, the
reality is that these formulations are only applied in limited circumstances,
so an examination in this area could bring some insightful recommendations.
2. Does the
Beescroft Report a conducive set of recommendations, which protects employees
whilst enabling flexibility in the workforce.
This report will be examined in the light of current
employment and case HR, in order to determine the feasibility of the
recommendations. Two of the core issues that will be explored are the legal
issues surrounding: 1) the right to fire on the spot; and 2) the extension of
the unfair dismissal protections to two years.
3. Is the legal
application of “range of reasonable responses” test in unfair dismissal cases
satisfactory?
This assignment topic will explore the issues
surrounding unfairness under s. 98 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 (ERA
1996). It is recognised that unfairness is a difficult concept to define, which
has not been clarified by s. 98. The result of this is the case of Iceland v
Frozen Foods Ltd v Jones [1983] ICR 17 remains a defining part of what is a
reasonable excuse and what is not. Thus, the following examination would
explore, through a case HR review, whether the current approach to s. 98 is
effective and whether reform is required.
4. To what extent is
the HR surrounding “restrictive covenants” and garden leave fit for purpose?
This assignment topic will explore the nature of
restrictive covenants and garden leave in English employment HR. The issue of
reasonableness is an important element of this discussion, which means the case
of Littlewoods Organisation v Harris [1977] 1 WLR 1472 CA will be explored. The
contractual application of reasonableness in English HR can be compared with
the US model, which gives a broader set of rights to the employer. This will
ensure there is a full and frank examination.
5. Should the US
ability to “fire at will” be imported into English Employment HR?
This is another topic that stems from the Beescroft
Report, but it will be taken from a comparative review. The US model has
different models of employment protections, but essentially it is a contractual
approach. This means the “fire at will” is allowable with contract that does
not restrict this power; albeit one could argue the misuse of sham agreements
(i.e. agency/freelancers) already enables this approach in the UK.
6. The TUPE Process,
in the light of the Beescroft Report, has been condemned as being too
overbearing on certain employers (i.e. agency takeovers). Does the TUPE process
need to be reformed to protect the lowest paid of large companies; however
allow more flexibility at the higher rungs of organisations?
This assignment topic will explore the
contradictions in TUPE, especially with regards to relevant transfers (Suzen
[1997] IRLR 225, Betts v Brintel Helicopters [1997] IRLR 361) and determine if
the purpose of TUPE has been eroded by the ECJ's desire for uniformity
(Spijkers [1986] ECR 1119). Thus, it will be put forward that the purpose and
application of the case HR has become significantly disjointed, which means a
re-evaluation is necessary.
7. In the light of
the current Public Sector Redundancies is the Consultation Process failing to
ensure that there is a fair approach to “cuts”, because front line services are
the targets and not the overburdening middle and upper
managers.
This assignment topic will explore redundancy
consultation processes, in order to determine if they really protect the most
vulnerable employees. The case study of current public sector cuts illustrates
the issues, because the argument was that front line services would not be
affected. But, the indications are this is exactly where the cuts were, which
preserved the middle and upper management. This raises the question is whether
there should be the legal use of auditors to ensure that cuts are fair.
8. Do the
Flexibility Working (Procedural) Regulations 2002 provide a fair response to
working parents and carers in the 21st Century?
This assignment topic will explore whether the 2002
Regulations really bring equality to genders in the 21st Century, because a
predominant number of carers are women. This examination will consider the
Equality Act 2010 to determine if it adds any additional protections; as well
as identify if there is a trend to lesser protections in the light of the
Beescroft Report.
9. To what extent
has the Equality Act 2010 improved the rights of the disabled?
This assignment topic will explore the development
of the Equality Act 2010, especially its response to the case of London Borough
of Lewisham v Malcolm [2008] UKHL 43. Thus, the purpose is to examine if there
are more substantive rights for the disabled in all areas of their life from
public services to employment; as well as identify “room for improvement”.
10. To what extent
has the Equality Act 2010 provided an uneven approach to religious and freedom
of conscience under its auspices?
This assignment topic will explore the discord in
the Equality Act 2010, because there is a requirement for all organisations to
ensure there is equality for individuals in this area. The problem that arises
is that some religious organisations are exempt from these equality
requirements, which includes links to education facilities. Therefore, the
basis of this examination will be whether this exemption is fit for purpose in
the 21st Century?
