20 September 2007

Do you understand probationary periods? Test your knowledge against one of our own lawyers

Earlier this year, we reported a case which dealt with an employer’s right to extend a probationary period. Now you can test your understanding of this subject against one of our own lawyers and see how you rate.

New Chair of Acas announced

Minister of State for Employment Relations and Postal Affairs, Pat McFadden, has announced the appointment of Mr Edward Sweeney as the new Chair of the Acas Council.

Dave Prentis General Secretary of Unison elected next TUC President

Dave Prentis, the General Secretary of Unison, has been elected the next TUC President.

Case law update - employees who won't comply with reasonable instructions are not entitled to pay

The Court of Appeal has now ruled on a case we reported in an earlier update. The case involves an employee who raised bullying allegations but did not accept the findings of an enquiry into the allegations, and then refused to come back to work.

Case law update: EAT ruling on mild dyslexia as a disability under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995

The EAT has recently concluded that, under the DDA, an individual with mild dyslexia was disabled. Existing case law had already suggested that mental impairments such as dyslexia could constitute such a disability. The facts of this case, however, illustrate the potentially wide ambit of the DDA - this individual only became aware of his dyslexia relatively late on, and at a senior level of, his career.

Case law update - EAT awards its first penalty for a breach of the Information and Consultation Regulations 2004

In March this year, we reported the CAC’s ruling against Macmillan Publishers Ltd (Macmillan), for failing to properly comply with the Information & Consultation of Employees Regulations 2004. The EAT has now awarded its first penalty for that breach – Macmillan was ordered to pay the sum of £55,000. We look at the case and its implications for employers.

Possibility of a regional, rather than national, minimum wage?

It has been reported in the national press that the Prime Minister is planning to change the current legislation on the national minimum wage so that it is no longer consistently applied across the country, but varies across different regions.

Discrimination Law Review - EEF Responds

EEF has submitted its response to the government's proposed simplification and reform of UK discrimination law.

Economic Briefing - September 2007

This month's briefing gives the latest intelligence on the main economic indicators, including interest rate rises and manufacturing output.

HSE announces free REACH events

After an overwhelming response from businesses to the HSE’s first four national conferences, a further series of roadshow briefings have been announced to raise awareness on the requirements of REACH and how it will affect business.

EEF Lobbies DEFRA on the Environmental Liability Directive

As part of a select stakeholder group EEF was invited to meet Joan Ruddock MP, the new Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at DEFRA, to discuss the implementation of the Environmental Liability Directive.

Environmental Audit Committee to Investigate Climate Change Levy

The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has announced an inquiry into the roles played by the Climate Change Levy (CCL) and Climate Change Agreements (CCA) in reducing carbon emissions and energy use by the UK business sector.

New emissions reduction report could result in tougher targets for UK industry

A new report from Cambridge Econometrics claims that the UK will fail to meet its carbon dioxide emissions reduction target for 2020.

Environment Agency launches annual consultation on charges

The Environment Agency (EA) has published its annual consultation on proposed revisions to charging schemes which closes on 7 December 2007

Inflation Figures

Latest data has been released. Next published data available 16 October 2007.

... Click below
Retail Prices, Tax & Prices, Consumer Prices.

Last chance for nominating your Apprentice of the Year

Companies are reminded that nominations for the Apprentice of the Year Awards 2007 must be submitted by Monday 24 September.

West Midlands accountants' views sought at online services workshop

Two free workshops are taking place in the West Midlands to give accountants a chance to have their say on HM Revenue & Customs' (HMRC) plans for its online services.

Undergraduate placement scheme

Details of two recently graduated candidates seeking placements in member companies.

Equipment Required at the Technology Centre

We have a number of apprentices who are undertaking an apprenticeship programme, which includes mechanical and electrical maintenance.

ETB 2nd Annual Skills Conference

'Delivering Vocational Skills' is the key topic of The ETB's 2nd Annual Skills Conference which will be held on Wednesday 10th October 2007 at the Victoria Park Plaza, London SW1