From 1st October, mandatory dismissal procedures exist which, if not followed by employers, give employees the right to claim automatic unfair dismissal (subject to one year qualification period), plus an increase in compensation.
In addition, a mandatory grievance procedure debars employees from bringing most types of tribunal claims unless they have first lodged a written grievance with the employer and waited 28 days.
Yes - it's 61. The number of rules in the new Rules of Procedure, replacing the existing 23 which, in turn, replaced a previous 20.
the Register will no longer contain names and addresses of the parties (sometimes used by employers for 'blacklisting' purposes, and often used by representatives engaging in 'ambulance chasing'). Now it will just contain the decision and any written reasons.
Also, from April 2005, the DTI will introduce redesigned, mandatory Claim and Response Forms.
new definitions of 'discrimination' - direct discrimination (less favourable treatment on grounds of disability - which CANNOT be justified) and disability-related discrimination (less favourable treatment for a reason relating to disability, which CAN be justified).
DDA protection extends to police.
allowing a tribunal to decide whether work is of 'equal value' without first obtaining a report from an independent expert. Previously, the tribunal had to obtain a report unless satisfied there was no reasonable prospect of an equal value claim succeeding.
creating a strong presumption that, where a job evaluation study has allocated different values to the man and woman's jobs, then the man cannot be a valid comparator.
Okay, it's boring. But it is important. The main (adult) rate for workers over 22 increases to £4.85ph. The 'development rate' (for workers aged 18-21 inclusive) increases to £4.10ph.
And there is a new rate for 16 and 17 year old (above compulsory school leaving age) of £3.00ph. This new rate does not apply to 16 and 17 year old apprentices.