9 January 2008

Increase in compensation limits

From 1 February 2008, the limits applying to certain awards payable under employment legislation will increase.

New SMP, SAP, SPP and SSP rates announced for 2008

The new rates for statutory maternity pay, statutory adoption pay, statutory paternity pay and statutory sick pay for the next financial year are now available.

Case law update - EAT issues judgment on religious discrimination

To date there have been few cases in the higher courts on discrimination on grounds of religion or belief under the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations, even though they came into force back in 2003. The EAT has, however, recently heard a case concerning a Rastafarian who wore his hair in dreadlocks, and who alleged he had been discriminated against as a result. We look at the case and its implications.

Replacing dispute resolution legislation - what will it mean for you?

The Employment Bill has begun its passage through Parliament. Its provisions are expected to become law in April 2009. The key purpose of the Bill is to implement the recommendations of the Gibbons Review of Employment Dispute Resolution and, therefore, to repeal the three step statutory dispute resolution procedures. Find out more in this article.

EEF briefs MPs prior to Second Reading of the Pensions Bill

The Pensions Bill is due to get its Second Reading in the House of Commons. We have prepared a briefing on this which sets out our detailed comments on the Pensions Bill and identifies some specific issues that we consider still need to be addressed by the government.

Is compulsory retirement no longer safe?

As the Heyday challenge to the lawfulness of compulsory retirement continues, the courts have started accepting claims now before the final outcome in Heyday is known. We continue to believe that compulsory retirement is lawful for the time being, but there is clearly a risk. We look at the debate and give practical guidance for employers.

EEF calls for further cut in rates

The Bank of England should cut interest rates again this week in the face of growing evidence that the UK economy faces the prospect of a more significant slowdown than expected according to EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation.

Courses, Seminars and Training Programmes for 2008

We have recently sent all members two copies of our 2008 training brochure. If you prefer you can access a pdf version of the brochure via the link below or email us.

view brochure...

Your Business and the 2012 Games

West Midlands launch of London 2012 Business Network to be held at Villa Park, Birmingham on 23 January 2008.

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Business Link roadshow

Business Link West Midlands is holding a series of free Business Link roadshows that will visit every area in the West Midlands region.

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Pay settlements

Details have been collected from our members who have recently settled their pay negotiations.

Please click the pdf file to view the results.

Holiday Survey

We have compiled a list of dates which may be of use.

These include school term holiday dates and motor vehicle manufacturers.

view survey...

Pay and inflation update - December 2007

EEF's monthly pay and inflation update provides the latest data on pay settlements across manufacturing.

Economic Briefing - January 2008

EEF's monthly bulletin examines economic trends for manufacturing, engineering and technology-based businesses.

Flexible Working

Flexible working legislation initially allowed parents with a child under 6 or a disabled child under 18 to make a request for flexible working, and placed a duty on employers to consider such request seriously and only reject them for good business reasons. On 6 April 2007 the Government extended the right to request flexible working to the carers of adults. There is now a debate about whether this right should be extended to all workers and EEF is concerned that this will simply result in more burdens for employers.

IPPC proposal calls for stricter pollution controls

The European Commission’s proposal for a revised IPPC Directive was unexpectedly published prior to Christmas, despite being initially blocked by Commissioner Mandelson. The proposal aims to increase the level of environmental protection, simplify existing legislation, increase the use of "best available techniques" (BAT) and cut the administrative burden on industry.