2012: Employment Law Changes

The government has recently set out its’ proposals for what is claimed to be the biggest overhaul of employment law for many years .

The main proposals include the following:

• qualifying period to claim unfair dismissal to increase from 1 year’s employment to 2 years;
• all claims to undergo mediation via ACAS, before they can be lodged with the tribunal;
• the introduction of protected conversations between an employer and employee (but discriminatory acts will be excluded);
• a ‘rapid resolution scheme’, to enable simple claims to be settled within three months;
• financial penalties for employers who breach employment rights;
• CRB checks to be portable, so there would be no need for a fresh application when moving jobs; and
• maternity and paternity leave to provide for greater involvement for fathers.

To discuss how these changes may effect you, or anything else please contact us by emailing legalteam@baileyfields.com or calling 01233 822537

The Equality Bill

Employers need to start preparing for changes to be brought about by the Equality Bill in 2010. The changes will affect all businesses regardless of size and will require them to take positive steps to avoid discrimination in the workplace.In view of the changes coming in 2010, it has never been a better time for companies to have an equality audit of their business to ensure that they are fully prepared for the changes.

Advertising: Age Discrimination

Employers should consider whether it is necessary to specify in an advert that a certain level of experience is required. A tribunal has found that an advert stating that a teaching vacancy “would suit candidates in the first five years of their career” amounted to indirect age discrimination.
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