Employment Law Review
Thompsons’ Employment Law Review is recognised as an authoritative source of comment and discussion from our trade union law specialists. Available to read here, and also via a weekly email bulletin, the Employment Law Review offers considerable insight into the latest issues affecting trade unions and their members.
Latest Issues
Weekly Issue 868
- Next Workers Win Equal Pay Claims: What This Means for Employees
- British Airways PLC v Rollett and Others
- Miss G Treadwell v Barton Turns Development Ltd
Weekly Issue 867
- Government Repeals Strikes Act to Strengthen Workers’ Rights and Public Services
- New Legislation on Tips Allocation Set to Come into Force
- Key Takeaways from Mansfield Care Ltd v Newman and ors and Rollandene Ltd v Newman and ors: TUPE, Redundancy, and Worker Rights Explained
Weekly Issue 866
- Labour’s Proposed Employment Rights Bill: A Step Forward for Workers’ Rights
- Trade Unions and Industrial Action
- Day One Right Not to Be Unfairly Dismissed
Equal pay
Weekly Issue 868
Next Workers Win Equal Pay Claims: What This Means for Employees
In a landmark ruling, store workers at Next won an equal pay case, with the Employment Tribunal finding unjustified pay differences between retail and warehouse staff in breach of equal pay laws.
Employment rights
Weekly Issue 868
British Airways PLC v Rollett and Others
British Airways loses its appeal in an indirect discrimination case, with the Employment Appeal Tribunal ruling that claimants suffering the same disadvantage as protected groups can still pursue claims, even without sharing the protected characteristic.
Unfair dismissal
Weekly Issue 868
Miss G Treadwell v Barton Turns Development Ltd
In a landmark decision, the Employment Appeal Tribunal ruled in favor of Miss Treadwell, allowing her dismissal to be treated as a detriment under vicarious liability for whistleblowing, despite insufficient service for standard unfair dismissal claims.
Employment rights
Weekly Issue 867
Government Repeals Strikes Act to Strengthen Workers’ Rights and Public Services
The UK government is repealing the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023, strengthening workers' rights and restoring public services through fair negotiations and the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill.
Employment rights
Weekly Issue 867
New Legislation on Tips Allocation Set to Come into Force
Starting 1 October 2024, the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 mandates that all qualifying tips, gratuities, and service charges be fully passed on to workers without deductions, ensuring fair and transparent distribution in the hospitality and service sectors.
Employment rights
Weekly Issue 867
Key Takeaways from Mansfield Care Ltd v Newman and ors and Rollandene Ltd v Newman and ors: TUPE, Redundancy, and Worker Rights Explained
The case of Mansfield Care Ltd v Newman and ors [2024] EAT 128 explores key issues related to TUPE transfers, redundancy consultations, and bank staff employment status, with the Employment Appeal Tribunal partially upholding appeals.
Employment rights
Weekly Issue 867
Mr. J. Wharton v. Sheehan Haulage and Plant Hire Ltd: Key Lessons on Wage Dispute Timing and Tribunal Fairness
The Employment Appeal Tribunal in Mr. J. Wharton v. Sheehan Haulage and Plant Hire Ltd ruled that time limits for wage deduction claims should start from the deduction date, not the termination date, allowing the appeal and highlighting the importance of procedural fairness in employment disputes.
Employment rights
Weekly Issue 866
Labour’s Proposed Employment Rights Bill: A Step Forward for Workers’ Rights
The Labour Party's recent election victory has led to the announcement of significant employment law reforms, including the Employment Rights Bill and the draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill, set to be introduced in October 2024, aiming to improve workers' rights in the UK.
Trade union information
Weekly Issue 866
Trade Unions and Industrial Action
Labour's 'Make Work Pay' plan, outlined in July 2024, proposes comprehensive reforms to empower trade unions, improve industrial relations, and strengthen workers' rights in the UK, including modernising trade union legislation, enhancing collective bargaining, and introducing Fair Pay Agreements.
Disciplinary and dismissal
Weekly Issue 866
Day One Right Not to Be Unfairly Dismissed
The new Employment Rights Bill offers immediate protection against unfair dismissal from day one, enhancing job security and empowering unions. Thompsons Solicitors supports employees in navigating these changes.
Employment rights
Weekly Issue 866
Restrictions on Fire and Rehire
The Labour Party's Employment Rights Bill aims to restrict fire and rehire practices, enhancing worker protections and ensuring fair treatment. This legislation will impose stricter controls, mandate meaningful consultations, and provide effective remedies, safeguarding employees from unjust dismissals. Thompsons Solicitors supports these crucial changes for a fairer workplace.
Redundancy and Protective Awards
Weekly Issue 866
Thresholds for Redundancy Consultation
Labour's Employment Rights Bill expands redundancy consultation to all business sites, enhancing employee protections and union representation. Thompsons Solicitors supports these changes for a fairer workplace.