This year there is a move away from the annual change to a week’s pay and the maximum compensatory award which has always traditionally taken place in February for the last few years. Instead this year there will be an increase on 6th April 2014.

The Employment Rights (Increase to Limits) Order 2014 reflects an RPI increase of 3.2%.

The headlines are:

• The maximum compensatory award for unfair dismissal claims will be £76,574 up from £74,200.
• The maximum limit on a week’s pay which is used for basic awards and statutory redundancy payments will be £464 up from £450.
• This will make the maximum basic award £13,920 up from £13,500.
• This also affects the minimum basic award for some unfair dismissals which will be £5,676 up from £5,500.

The new limits will apply in cases where the effective date of termination falls on or after 6th April 2014.

There will also be a new President of the Employment Tribunals for England and Wales from 1st April 2014 who will be Brian Doyle, J who is currently a Regional Employment Judge. Congratulations!