In this article, Trainee Solicitor, Chelsea Jeffs outlines everything you need to know about non-molestation orders.
The Employment Act 2008 repeals the statutory dispute resolution procedures and related provisions dealing with procedural unfairness in dismissal cases. In their place will be a revised voluntary Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) Code of Practice supported by non-statutory guidance aimed at encouraging employers and employees to resolve issues both earlier and informally. Changes are also made to the law relating to conciliation by officers of ACAS, with the removal of fixed periods for conciliation. The Employment Tribunal (ET) will have the discretion to increase or reduce an award by up to 25% where either side unreasonably fails to comply with the new ACAS Code of Practice.
This is a significant change but employers are reminded that until 6 April they must follow the existing statutory dispute resolution procedures when disciplining or dismissing staff and handling grievances. Contact us for assistance in putting in place suitable policies and procedures that are in line with the new Code.
The Employment Tribunals (Constitution and Rules of Procedure) Amendment Regulations 2008 make consequential procedural changes to ET practice resulting from the Employment Act 2008, and also make changes with regard to default judgments, electronic communications, the withdrawal and dismissal of proceedings and Stage 1 hearings in equal value claims.
Click here to read more Employment Law Changes from April 2009 or find out more about our Employment Solicitors.