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Employment Bill Latest

The Employment Bill, which aims to simplify the dismissals, discipline and grievance procedures, looks to put a greater emphasis on the role of Acas.

The current statutory dispute resolution procedures are expected to be repealed in April 2009. Afterwards, tribunals will be able to increase or decrease awards based on whether a party unreasonably fails to comply with the Acas Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures. This code isexpected to be substantially revised.

Changes also include the establishment of a new ‘fast track’ system for employment tribunals for monetary disputes: unlawful deductions from wages, breach of contract, redundancy pay, holiday pay, national minimum wage claims.

The aim is to deal with these claims more quickly and simply in writing, without the need for a hearing.

The tribunal will also be able to make additional awards against the employer to cover other financial losses suffered by the claimant such as charges for unauthorised overdrafts resulting from the non-payment.

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Notes to Editors

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