Don’t get caught out by employment law

THE complex and frequently changing nature of employment law make it a minefield for employers.

The law is regularly reviewed with the most recent changes introduced on February 1. Understanding and implementing these new changes can be incredibly difficult and time consuming for bosses – and businesses are acutely aware of the ever present threat of employment tribunals.

Employment law is a subject which will affect us all at some point during our working lives. Basically, employment law oversees the rights of employees, workers, volunteers and anyone else who can be classified to be in a working capacity. It also looks after employers and gives them certain rights.

Amongst the most common legal issues that can result in Tribunal claims are:

• Unfair and constructive dismissal
• Redundancy
• Employment rights e.g. minimum wage, working hours, maternity and paternity rights etc.
• Workplace discrimination and harassment

Recent changes to the law include increases to the limits of certain employment tribunal awards and other amounts payable under employment legislation. The maximum unfair dismissal compensatory award has risen from £68,400 to £72,300 and the maximum amount of a week’s pay for the purpose of calculating a statutory redundancy payment, and the basic and additional awards for unfair dismissal, increased from £400 to £430.

Charlotte Gallagher, managing director of P3 People Management, Manchester’s leading HR consultancy, says: “Employment law can be a minefield for employees, but it is essential that it is understood and implemented. The complex and frequently changing law can make it time consuming and difficult for businesses to get their heads around”.

P3 People Management offer an Employer Advice Line where clients can get guidance and advice on every aspect of HR, including the complexity of employment law, and ensure that whatever the problem, it is resolved in a positive, timely and legally compliant way. Consultants at P3 People Management can translate the complications of employment law into practical, commercial and simple to follow actions.

For help with employment law and other HR queries contact P3 People Management on 0161 941 2426 or visit www.p3pm.co.uk