Here’s a note of some of the recent developments in the HR and Employment field which we hope you’ll find useful. As always, if you have any comments or queries then please do not hesitate to give me a ring on 0113  2580033, and I will be more than happy to give you a free steer about how to tackle these issues. 1.      Increase in Employment Tribunal ClaimsThe full depth and severity of the recession and its knock on effects on the employment landscape have been revealed in a recent report published by ACAS:-

• Recession has stimulated a 29% rise in unfair dismissal cases!! (Make sure you are following all disciplinary and grievance procedures to avoid the impact of any potential claims.)
• Other employment tribunal cases have also increased. Ensure you have up to date contracts and documentation- ‘prevention is cheaper than the cure.’
• Demand for redundancy advice has increased by almost three quarters.

2.      Breaking News!! – ‘Additional paternity leave consultation announced’

The Government has confirmed their intention to go ahead with plans for new legislation which will allow fathers to benefit from up to six months’ additional paternity leave if the mother returns to work before the end of her ordinary maternity leave period to which she is entitled. It will apply to parents which children due on or after 3 April 2011.    Current position·       Mothers can take up to 52 weeks’ statutory maternity leave.·       statutory maternity pay being payable for up to 39 weeks.·       Fathers are entitled to two weeks’ paternity leave during which statutory paternity pay is payable.New Proposal·       If mothers go back to work at any time after the first 26 weeks, fathers will be able to take the balance of the 52 week period of maternity leave as additional paternity leave.·       Three months will be paid at the same rate as statutory maternity pay if the leave is taken during the mother’s 39-week maternity pay period.Consultation will begin shortly…… watch this space.

3.      Please Note!! –There has been an Increase in statutory redundancy pay!

As of 1 October 2009, the weekly limit for earnings used to calculate statutory redundancy pay has increased from £350 to £380. The new revised limit is expected to remain in place until February 2011.    

Thanks for taking the time to read this update! Watch out for our Winter Newsletter- coming soon!

For more information  please contact Charlotte@travlaw.co.uk

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