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27 January 2012 / Michael Salter , Chris Bryden
Issue: 7498 / Categories: Features , Tribunals , Employment
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All change for employment law?

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Chris Bryden & Michael Salter predict a year of transformation

This article touches upon a few of the changes and reforms that will come into force this year, and considers in brief some of the more radical proposals that may make their way into law. It is impossible to cover all of the forthcoming changes in 2012, so this article discusses those areas of most likely interest to employment practitioners at the beginning of a year of change.

Awards, costs, expenses & fees

First, for claimants, the good news. The annual increases in the sums that tribunals are able to award in those areas to which compensation caps apply come into force next month (1 February 2012). The upper limit on compensation for awards of unfair dismissal will rise to £72,300 (from the present £68,400). The maximum week’s pay figure increases to £430 from £400 (see the Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order 2011 (SI 2011/3006)). These increases are in line with established policy.

Proposed

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ Career Profile: John McElroy, London Solicitors Litigation Association

NLJ Career Profile: John McElroy, London Solicitors Litigation Association

From first-generation student to trailblazing president of the London Solicitors Litigation Association, John McElroy of Fieldfisher reflects on resilience, identity and the power of bringing your whole self to the law

Clarke Willmott—Elaine Field

Clarke Willmott—Elaine Field

Planning and environment team expands with partner hire in Manchester

Birketts—Barbara Hamilton-Bruce

Birketts—Barbara Hamilton-Bruce

Firm appoints chief operating officer to strengthen leadership team

NEWS
A landmark Supreme Court ruling has underscored the sweeping reach of UK sanctions. In NLJ this week, Brónagh Adams and Harriet Campbell of Penningtons Manches Cooper say the regime is a ‘blunt instrument’ requiring only a factual, not causal, link to restricted goods
Fraud claims are surging, with England and Wales increasingly the forum of choice for global disputes. Writing in NLJ this week, Jon Felce of Cooke, Young & Keidan reports claims have risen sharply, with fraud now a major share of litigation and costing billions worldwide
Litigators digesting Mazur are being urged to tighten oversight and compliance. In his latest 'Insider' column for NLJ this week, Professor Dominic Regan of City Law School provides a cut out and keep guide to the ruling’s core test: whether an unauthorised individual is ‘in truth acting on behalf of the authorised individual’
Conflicting county court rulings have left landlords uncertain over whether they can force entry after tenants refuse access. In this week's NLJ, Edward Blakeney and Ashpen Rajah of Falcon Chambers outline a split: some judges permit it under CPR 70.2A, others insist only Parliament can authorise such powers
A wave of scandals has reignited debate over misconduct in public office, criticised as unclear and inconsistently applied. Writing in NLJ this week, Alice Lepeuple of WilmerHale says the offence’s ‘vagueness, overbreadth & inconsistent deployment’ have undermined confidence
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