These pages give you access to the latest valuable legal information regarding employment law. For a full list of legal briefings issued by all our departments visit News and Events.

Increase to Annual Leave Entitlements

At the beginning of this year the Government announced firm proposals to increase workers’ holidays entitlements under The Working Time Regulations 1998, from 4 weeks to 5.6 weeks per year. Read more

New employee compensation limits

On 1 February 2007, new legislation increased the statutory compensation limits for among other things, claims of redundancy and unfair dismissal. Read more.

Pensions A-Day

On 6 April 2006 the new pensions tax regime takes effect. This will have a significant impact upon the administration of pensions for senior executives and other high earners. It also entails some dangers for unwary employers. Read more.

Age Discrimination

New draft Age Discrimination Regulations were published on 15 July 2005 amid much speculation as regards the potential cost to UK businesses. The Regulations apply in respect of all workers and job applicants and they prohibit direct and indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation on the grounds of age. The Regulations also specify the legal position as regards service-related benefits, compulsory retirement and occupational pensions. This will entail huge changes in most business employment practices. We strongly recommend that all businesses start to review their practices now to ensure that they are compliant by 2006. Read more

Unfair Dismissal – Qualifying Period

Remember – the one year qualifying period for claims of unfair dismissal does not apply in all circumstances. For example, if an employee is dismissed on medical grounds in compliance with any law, regulation or code of practice providing for the health and safety at work, then the qualifying period for a claim is one month’s service. In other circumstances no qualifying period is necessary. Follow the link for a full list of the exceptions to the qualifying period of one year. Read more

Disability Discrimination Act 2005

Before the end of this year significant changes will be made to existing disability discrimination law, introduced by the Disability Discrimination Act 2005. Importantly, the definition of what constitutes a disability will be expanded. Also, a number of sector-specific provisions will be introduced. Follow the link to find out what the changes are and how they may affect you. Read more.