Menu
27/01/2011
New Plans Crack Down On Workplace Disputes
New government plans to improve the way in which workplace disputes are resolved have been published today alongside the Employer’s Charter.
The measures are designed to give businesses more confidence to take on workers and support growth.
The plans being put forward intend to increase the qualifying period before staff can make an unfair dismissal claim from one to two years.
Last year tribunal claims rose to 236,000 - a record figure and a rise of 56 per cent on 2009. Businesses has to spend around £4,000 on average to defend itself against a claim. Concerns have been raised by businesses that the system has become too costly, takes too much time, places unnecessary strains on small businesses and that it is too easy to make unmerited or vexatious claims.
Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “Disputes in the workplace cost time and money, can affect morale, reduce productivity and hold back businesses. Today’s proposals address these concerns and should help give employers more confidence.”
“But let’s be clear - resolving disputes earlier is also in the interests of workers. No one wants to spend month after month worrying about a claim - we need to make what can be an extremely stressful time in people’s lives as short as possible.”
He added: “In the business world there is also a common misconception that employment protections are all one-way - towards the employee. The Charter we are publishing today tackles this myth by setting out clearly some of the most important rights that employers already have in the workplace.”
Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke said: “The intention of the Charter is to raise awareness and give clarity amongst employers on what they can and can’t do when managing their staff and covers a wide range of employment law issues.
“The employment law review is taking a comprehensive look at employment legislation across government. In the next few months, requirements will be considered on employers when they take on staff to ensure that it is as simple and straightforward as possible. As part of this, we intend to publish a model contract for employers shortly.”
(BMcN)
The measures are designed to give businesses more confidence to take on workers and support growth.
The plans being put forward intend to increase the qualifying period before staff can make an unfair dismissal claim from one to two years.
Last year tribunal claims rose to 236,000 - a record figure and a rise of 56 per cent on 2009. Businesses has to spend around £4,000 on average to defend itself against a claim. Concerns have been raised by businesses that the system has become too costly, takes too much time, places unnecessary strains on small businesses and that it is too easy to make unmerited or vexatious claims.
Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “Disputes in the workplace cost time and money, can affect morale, reduce productivity and hold back businesses. Today’s proposals address these concerns and should help give employers more confidence.”
“But let’s be clear - resolving disputes earlier is also in the interests of workers. No one wants to spend month after month worrying about a claim - we need to make what can be an extremely stressful time in people’s lives as short as possible.”
He added: “In the business world there is also a common misconception that employment protections are all one-way - towards the employee. The Charter we are publishing today tackles this myth by setting out clearly some of the most important rights that employers already have in the workplace.”
Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke said: “The intention of the Charter is to raise awareness and give clarity amongst employers on what they can and can’t do when managing their staff and covers a wide range of employment law issues.
“The employment law review is taking a comprehensive look at employment legislation across government. In the next few months, requirements will be considered on employers when they take on staff to ensure that it is as simple and straightforward as possible. As part of this, we intend to publish a model contract for employers shortly.”
(BMcN)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 February 2013
Over A Third Of UK Employees Opting Out Of Pension Scheme
The governments plan to boost workers retirement savings could be undone as research carried out for Aviva reveals more than a third of UK workers would opt out of any pension they are automatically enrolled into.
Over A Third Of UK Employees Opting Out Of Pension Scheme
The governments plan to boost workers retirement savings could be undone as research carried out for Aviva reveals more than a third of UK workers would opt out of any pension they are automatically enrolled into.
11 January 2005
NHS pension proposals anger trade union
The NHS employers group has announced controversial new pensions proposals, incurring the wrath of health service union Unison. The new proposals include increasing the retirement age from 60 to 65.
NHS pension proposals anger trade union
The NHS employers group has announced controversial new pensions proposals, incurring the wrath of health service union Unison. The new proposals include increasing the retirement age from 60 to 65.
06 April 2009
Flexible Working Rights For Parents
Millions of parents with children under 16 will today be eligible to ask employers for flexible work arrangements. An extra 4.5 million parents – in addition to the six million parents and carers who already have the right – will be able to ask for flexible working arrangements.
Flexible Working Rights For Parents
Millions of parents with children under 16 will today be eligible to ask employers for flexible work arrangements. An extra 4.5 million parents – in addition to the six million parents and carers who already have the right – will be able to ask for flexible working arrangements.
05 August 2013
Met Reach Out-Of-Court Settlement With Family Of Ian Tomlinson
The family of Ian Tomlinson have reached an out-of-court settlement with the Metropolitan Police over his death in London in 2009. Mr Tomlinson died shortly after being struck with a baton and pushed to the ground by a riot officer during G20 protests in the city. Mr Tomlinson was not involved in the protests and was just making his way home.
Met Reach Out-Of-Court Settlement With Family Of Ian Tomlinson
The family of Ian Tomlinson have reached an out-of-court settlement with the Metropolitan Police over his death in London in 2009. Mr Tomlinson died shortly after being struck with a baton and pushed to the ground by a riot officer during G20 protests in the city. Mr Tomlinson was not involved in the protests and was just making his way home.
18 April 2012
Employment Minister To Encourage Employers To Give a 'Hoodie' A Job
In a speech later today the employment minister, Chris Grayling, will say companies should take a chance on "the surly young man in a hoodie". "It's easy to hire someone from Eastern Europe with five years' experience," he is expected to say, adding that firms should take a risk on less obvious "local recruits".
Employment Minister To Encourage Employers To Give a 'Hoodie' A Job
In a speech later today the employment minister, Chris Grayling, will say companies should take a chance on "the surly young man in a hoodie". "It's easy to hire someone from Eastern Europe with five years' experience," he is expected to say, adding that firms should take a risk on less obvious "local recruits".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Apart from a little patchy drizzle it will be a dry evening and night with variable amounts of cloud. A few mist and fog patches forming. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
