Employment Law E-Bulletin

Apr 08

QUICK LINK

Read this month's cases in detail

*************

THE EXPANDING DUTY TO INFORM AND CONSULT

The expanded duty to inform and consult employees has been a legal requirement for larger employers for a number of years. However, from 6th April 2008 the scope of the Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations 2004  extends to cover businesses with 50 or more employees. This month’s bulletin highlights the requirements of these Regulations and the steps that employers need to take in order to be compliant.

Read full article

*************

CASES

Newspaper comments direct discrimination

The Advocate General has handed down his opinion in a Belgian race discrimination case. As highlighted in last month’s bulletin an opinion is not a judgment, but an indication of what the judgment in a matter might be.

Employee admission reduced need for exhaustive investigation

In this case the employee, Mr Jefferson, had a clean disciplinary record and was known as a good and honest worker. However Mr Jefferson made racist comments whilst at work and complaints were made.

EAT Decision on Sexual Orientation Harrassment

Mr English brought a claim for sexual orientation harassment, as he was the subject of homophobic comments at work, despite the fact that his colleagues knew that he was not homosexual.

Read this month's cases in detail

*************

INCREASE TO SMP AND SSP

As from 6th April 2008 the rate of Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) will increase to £117.18 per week (up from £112.75) and Statutory Sick Pay will increase to £75.40 per week (up from £72.55).

EVENTS UPDATE

Employment Law for Line Managers – 9th April

This practical full day course will give line managers the confidence, knowledge and skills to deal with difficult, but common employment issues before they get out of hand:

ACAS Employment Relations Forum – 10th April

John Morris and Katie Sinclair will be two of the speakers at ACAS’ first Cumbria Forum event. The focus of the morning is Managing Change.

CIPD Employment Law Update – 15th May

This full day event is a relaxed and enjoyable employment law update hosted by Cumbria CIPD and presented by Burnetts’ employment law team. Non members welcome.

For details of these and other Burnetts' events, visit forthcoming seminars.

Seminar Video Now Online!

You came to the update. Now see the film! The video of last October’s annual update is now available in full technicolour .

*************

If you have any queries regarding any of the issues above, or any other employment matters please do not hesitate to contact the Employment Law Team at Burnetts on 01228 552222.

April 2008