Related Employment News

Redundancy is obviously a very difficult time for any employee. The law requires that certain safeguards are met by the employer.

The decision of the EAT in Growcott v Glaze Auto Parts Ltd highlights the fact that the issue of costs awards against parties, whilst rare, should not be forgotten.

Here is the latest round up of new and important developments in Employment Law:

All workers are entitled to 28 days paid holiday per year including paid bank holidays.

New compensation rates will apply from 1 February 2012:

The festive season is almost upon us and this month we have decided to treat you to a Christmas quiz (employment law related of course!). As the questions are not too taxing we expect correct answers from all. Entries will be placed in a (Santa) hat and the chosen entry will receive a bottle of Champagne to enjoy. Entries should be submitted by e-mail to jward@se-law.co.uk.

Unfair Dismissal Regime The Conservative Party Conference announced that the qualifying period for claims of unfair dismissal will soon be raised from 1 year’s qualifying service to 2 years. This will be an important and significant change for our employer clients and will bring unfair dismissal in line with the right to receive a redundancy payment.

National Minimum Wage (“NMW”) rates and age bands changed on 1 October 2011 as follows: • £6:08 for workers aged 21 and over (up from £5:93); • £4.98 for workers aged 18 to 20 (up from £4:92); and • £3.68 for workers aged 16 to 17 (up from £3.64) • Apprentices will be paid £2.60 per hour (up from £2.50)

An important change in the law has taken place concerning older workers. This was brought about largely as a result of the lobbying by Age UK which asked for older workers to carry on in employment beyond the age of 65. Government sources confirm that people are living longer and working longer, whilst fewer young people join the labour market. By the early 2020s, people aged between 50 and 64 will comprise almost a third of the work force. With skills shortages and changing labour markets, it makes sense to utilize all available skills and experience, regardless of a person’s age, and to encourage older workers to stay within a business.

Welcome to the first edition of SE Watch, our latest e-newsletter, focusing on Private Client issues, that is, legal issues related to individuals. You will find brief articles concerning Wills, Trusts and Tax, family, property and employment matters, all of which we hope you will find both relevant and interesting. Within this first issue we raise the question as to why it is worth considering making a Will.