Happy New Year to all my readers. I hope 2016 brings you happiness, health and prosperity. I’m looking forward to another great year in 2016 helping businesses and individuals with their employment law needs. One of my new resolutions is to post more frequently so watch this space.
Amendment to a claim does not require another ACAS EC certificate
In Science Warehouse Ltd v Mills, the EAT has held that a claimant was not required to go through the ACAS early conciliation (EC) procedure for an amendment to a claim in respect of a new claim she wishes to add to her existing claim. The Claimant wished to add a victimisation claim to her […]
Failing to give notice of redundancies
BIS has failed in its prosecution of three directors of City Link for failing to give notice of redundancies. The directors were alleged to have failed to give sufficient notice for redundancy plans under section 194 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. City Link went into administration on Christmas Eve last year […]
Overstaying holidays
With all the travel disruption this year, I came across this interesting article for employers about overstaying holidays and the employment consequences when an employee fails to return as planned from holiday. It was written in the aftermath of the Egyptian flights being grounded but would be equally applicable on numerous other occasions this year […]
Employment courts online?
One of the current reforms being considered is the use of courts online including the potential for employment courts online. Lord Justice Briggs has recently been carrying out a review of civil courts to look where efficiencies can be made. The report is due out before the end of the year but will be looking […]
Zero Hours Guidance
The Department of Business Innovations and Skills has issued new zero hours guidance for employers who use zero hours contracts. The Guidance sets out what zero hour contracts are, their uses and alternative suggestions. They also provide best practice guidance for employers. For those who either use such contracts in practice or are considering doing so, […]
Employment Tribunal Fees Review
The Ministry of Justice is currently reviewing Employment Tribunal Fees. I have finally found the time after a busy few months to review the wise words of the President of the Employment Tribunals on fees and their impact. He has also made a number of suggestions for reform including the use a three tier fee system, […]
Shared grand parents leave
You may have heard in the press that the Government is looking to introduce shared grand parents leave (shared grand parental leave) for working grand parents to spend time with their granddaughter and/or grandson. The provisions are not expected to come in before 2018 and the Government will consult over the proposals during the first […]
National Minimum Wage October 2015
Just a reminder that the new rates for the National Minimum Wage come into force tomorrow 1st October 2015. Notwithstanding the recent publicity concerning the living wage the national minimum wage is still in place and indeed the Government has a naming and shaming policy and fines for those who fail to comply. From 1 […]