The latest 'Business Brief' column from QualitySolicitors Redkite
‘The Business Brief’ is the new column from Red Kite Law in the Carmarthen Journal.
Anyone in business today needs to keep a ‘head-up’ on the latest changes in Employment Law.
Here are a couple of important changes that came into operation in April –
Unfair dismissal
The main change this April is the introduction of the increased qualifying period for an unfair dismissal claim.
From 6 April 2012 an employee must have been continuously employed for at least two years before they are able to bring an unfair dismissal claim.
However, this increase will only apply to employees who start work with an employer on or after 6 April 2012.
Although this change attempts to redress the balance in favour of employers, some critics fear it may have the opposite effect.
This is because some claims, for example discrimination, whistle blowing and health and safety, do not require any qualifying period at all.
It may be the case that employees with less than two years’ service attempt to mould their claims into one of these categories so that the tribunal accepts their claim in the first place.
This may lead to lengthier hearings to consider matters that were never even an issue between the parties during the employment relationship.
Apprenticeship agreements
From 6 April 2012 apprenticeship agreements must contain the same basic terms of employment to which employees are legally entitled.
This includes for example, details about notice periods, holiday entitlement and certain information about disciplinary and grievances.
Usually, this is in the form of a contract and it must also include a statement of the skill, trade or occupation for which the apprentice is being trained.
For further information please contact Donna Purchase on 01646 689327 or email at donna.purchase@qs-redkite.com.
On April 1, Red Kite Law joined ‘QualitySolicitors’ to become ‘QualitySolicitors Redkite’. QualitySolicitors is a national network of independent law firms with a common purpose: to provide a great service and to use the combined resources of the network to invest in new and innovative ways to deliver legal services.
Donna Purchase has significant contentious and non-contentious experience in all areas of employment law.
She has been a Partner in the firm since April 2009 and was previously an Associate with TLT Solicitors.
Donna heads up the QualitySolicitors Redkite HR team, which provides full employment and HR support, including contracts, handbooks, insurance and a specialist advice service, to clients of all sizes.
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