During the last couple of weeks, there have been various employment law changes that have been outlined or introduced across the country, including The Employment Rights (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019 and Sir Ernest Ryder’s proposal for modernising the employment tribunal system.
The Employment Rights (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019
As a result of the Good Work Plan, parts of The Employment Rights (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019 came into effect from 6th April 2019.
The introduction of the regulations means that the maximum fine that can be imposed on an employer for aggravated breaches of employment law rights has increased from £5,000 to £20,000.
Additionally, from April 2020, the legal right to receive a written statement of particulars of employment will be extended to all workers. Currently, this right is only extended to those individuals classed as employees.
The Modernisation of Tribunals
Sir Ernest Ryder’s Modernisation of Tribunals was published on 2nd April, which, if implemented, would make significant changes to the employment tribunal system and how information can be accessed.
The proposals outlined in the plan include:
- Implementing digital case files, which would then allow Judges’ to review and manage cases online;
- Introducing various tribunal templates from which orders, notices, standard letters and documents can be created; and
- Recording all tribunal proceedings, so that transcripts can be generated, when and where necessary.
If these proposals come into effect, then they are likely to be implemented over the course of the next two years.
Vento Bands
The Presidents of the Employment Tribunals in England and Wales, and Scotland have issued a joint addendum to Presidential Guidance, which was initially published on 5th September 2017, so that the Vento bands used for calculating awards for injury to feelings in discrimination cases have been updated in line with inflation.
From 6th April 2019, the updated bands, which will apply to all cases presented on or after that day, are:
- Lower band (less serious cases): £900 to £8,800
- Middle band: £8,800 to £26,300
- Upper band (the most serious cases): £26,300 to £44,000
In exceptional scenarios, the award of £44,000 may be exceeded.
How Nelsons Can Help
For further information or to comment on this article, please contact a member of our Employment Law team in Derby, Leicester and Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.