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15 November 2007
Issue: 7297 / Categories: Features , Employment
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Employment law brief: 16 November 2007

CONSULTING ON CLOSURES >>
VOLUNTARY REDUNDANCY >>
WHAT IS “ESTABLISHMENT”? >>

The question of consultation on collective redundancies is back on the legal map, especially since the decision of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) that “consultation” means consultation and must happen in good time (Junk v Kuhnel (Case C-188/03) [2005] All ER (D) 264 (Jan)) and the decision of the Court of Appeal that a protective award for failure to consult is meant to be punitive and costly (GMB and others v Susie Radin Ltd, [2004] 2 All ER 279). Even so, it was still something of a surprise to see the decision of the Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) in National Union of Mineworkers (Northumberland Area) and another v UK Coal Mining Ltd [2007] All ER (D) 315 (Oct) reported in the Times business section in late October as its lead story, stating that it moves us closer to the European model on plant closures (with arguments then about the possible effects on the UK’s competitive advantage).  

While this decision has the potential

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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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