Increase in Employment Tribunal limits
January 16, 2012
The Employment Tribunal limits increase each year with effect from 1 February – here’s the details of the limits that will apply this year. Read more
Employment Law Updates
Employment law is constantly changing, both in terms of legislation and when new case law develops. We can advise you of significant developments when they occur, summarising what you need to know in our clear, user-friendly email updates. As always, we will be focused on how the law will affect your workplace in practice, so that you can be best equipped to deal with any changes.
A fishing exercise – request for redundancy interview notes
January 16, 2012
Employers are often criticised for procedural failings when dismissing employees, particularly in redundancy situations. The case of Camelot Group Plc v Mrs A Hogg is a useful reminder that a failure to provide information to an employee in response to a ‘fishing exercise’ will not render a dismissal unfair. Read more
Tribunal award largest compensation in discrimination case
January 16, 2012
The media have recently reported on a compensation award of £4.5 million made to Dr Eva Michalak, an ex-employee of the Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust. The award was for race and sex discrimination and it is thought that is the highest ever award in a discrimination case in the UK. Read more
Can employees claim breach of contract for events leading up to dismissal?
January 16, 2012
We are all aware of an employee’s right to be able to bring a claim for unfair dismissal in the Employment Tribunal (provided they meet the qualifying criteria). However, you may not be aware that in some circumstances an employee may also bring a claim in either the Employment Tribunal or the civil courts for breach of contract for events leading to their dismissal. We look at two recent Supreme Court decisions that deal with the scope of such breach of contract claims. Read more
HR New Year’s resolutions
December 15, 2011
It’s that time of year again, when we open Advent calendars, tuck in to mince pies, and employment lawyers usually trot out ‘bah humbug’ articles about work Christmas parties.
Well, if you are lucky enough to have a Christmas party this year, we expect you are probably already aware of what you need to bear in mind (if by any chance you’re not, click here!).
So instead, we thought we’d look forward to 2012 and suggest some work-related resolutions for you.
Who’s your employee married to?
December 15, 2011
If people are going to get married, it is important that they choose the right partner. Blindingly obvious perhaps, but what has this got to do with employment? Potentially quite a lot, according to the Employment Appeal Tribunal in Dunn v Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management [2011].
Show me the money – bonuses and potential issues
December 15, 2011
Recent research by Unum and Personnel Today shows that 55% of employers are continuing to operate bonus schemes despite the recession. Bonuses can be a huge attraction for recruitment into businesses and indeed, are expected in many sectors. However, problems can arise when the rules of any bonus scheme are unclear or aren’t documented. Read more
Tribunal fees – consultation document released
December 15, 2011
In our last ebulletin we explained that the consultation regarding employment law reforms, including the proposal to charge fees in Tribunal cases, would be launched soon. The consultation document was released yesterday and makes interesting reading (although be warned, it is 84 pages long!). Read more
Protected Conversations – all the latest on the proposed employment law reforms
November 29, 2011
As previously reported on these updates (find our previous article here), the Government is keen to make changes to employment law as it sees the current state of employment protection as a deterrent to recruitment and job creation. Further details of some of the Government’s ideas were announced last week. Read more
Holiday and sickness – yet more news!
November 29, 2011
In this article we look at two recent decisions – one in the Employment Appeal Tribunal and another in the European Court of Justice, and how they affect an employee’s holiday entitlement when they are on long-term sickness absence. Read more