Regular readers are aware that I have a particular interest in the frequently uncomfortable overlap between religion (and philosophical beliefs) and employment law. This month has provided more examples of moral dilemmas and what might at first appear to be unexpected outcomes which push the boundaries of jurisprudence, even in what would otherwise be mundane…
In 2011 Mr John Healey, described as “an experienced litigator”, brought an Employment Tribunal claim against Wincanton Group. The case came before Employment Judge Robinson sitting in Liverpool, was duly heard, and the tribunal reserved its decision. So far, so good. Unfortunately, Employment Judge Robinson’s memory failed him with disastrous consequences for the eventual judgment,…
The Government has settled on the rates of National Minimum Wage, as proposed by the Independent Low Pay Commission, to come into effect on 1 October 2013. The announcement had been delayed for a month, prompting speculation that the Government might freeze the rates but Business Secretary Vince Cable said that he was confident that…
On 25 April 2013, the Enterprise & Regulatory Reform Act became law, on receiving Royal Assent. It is an enormous Act and, quite frankly, a thorough hotch-potch. There are Parts covering the UK Green Investment Bank, abolition of the Competition Commission, laws concerning cartels, the appointment of bankruptcy adjudicators, copyright law and rules concerning estate…
Termination of pregnancy remains one of the most controversial issues we have in our society. When Parliament legalised it by the Abortion Act 1967, it recognised that, despite all the strict procedural requirements and safeguards it sought to build in, nonetheless this would simply be a step too far for some people in the light…
Back in the summer of 2012, Mr Justice Underhill presented the results of his fundamental review of the Employment Tribunal procedures. Following a consultation by the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, it was announced that a new set of Rules of Procedure would come into force this year. A final version of the rules…
Delivered with all the traditional pomp and ceremony that one would expect the Queen’s Speech was made to the combined Houses of Parliament on 8 May, setting out the Government’s legislative programme for the coming year. Probably of greatest interest to lawyers and other professionals is the removal of the presumption of self-employed status for…
It’s all very well introducing fees across more courts and tribunals in an effort to keep unmeritorious claims away, but there is always the risk of “throwing the baby out with the bath water”. What about the deserving cases of those who simply cannot afford the fees? Legal Aid is less and less likely to…
On 29 May HM Courts & Tribunals Service announced that fees for Employment Tribunals and the Employment Appeal Tribunals will be introduced on 29 July. Having been in the pipeline for some time now, a draft order allowing for the introduction of fees in these Tribunals, and giving full details of their levels and when…