Very significant changes come into effect today (29 Jul)

New tribunal rules of procedure and fees to be introduced

The new Employment Tribunals Rules of Procedure come into force.  Employment tribunal fees have also been introduced.

New unfair dismissal compensatory limit

The unfair dismissal compensatory award limit will become the lower of the statutory cap (currently £74,200) or one year’s gross pay for dismissals where the effective date is after 29 July.

Pre-termination negotiations

If an employer makes an offer of a negotiated settlement before a dismissal, this will now be inadmissible in any subsequent unfair dismissal proceedings unless there has been improper behaviour. The statutory ACAS Code of Practice on Settlement Agreements will also operate from 29 July 2013.

Compromise Agreements renamed

Compromise agreements are renamed Settlement Agreements with effect from 29 July.

For more details see our newsletter on this site – “Employment Law Changes – Summer 2013”.