Great Britain: new, simpler labor law measures

Several measures from the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill, adopted in April and aiming to unblock employment tribunal and prevent a boom in proceedings, came into force on July 29, 2013.  Employees who bring tribunal claims now have to pay a fee, pre-termination ‘protected conversations’ (meaning confidential) are extended, and the unfair dismissal compensation limit is set to £74,200 (€88,100) or 12 months pay.  Finally, the rationalization of court proceedings has become effective. These measures are part of the broader policy carried out by the Cameron administration to make regulations that affect businesses simpler.  (Ref.  130533)
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Pre-termination “protected discussions.” The new provisions allow employers to embark on discussions with their employees with a view to terminating the employment relationship, without their content being admissible in any subsequent unfair dismissal proceedings. These discussions are not new but, before the reform, they had to aim for the resolution of an existing conflict. Now, employers can engage discussions to present their offer to the employees without fear that it will be used in a

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