The Government’s decision to put Adrian Beecroft’s controversial proposals for compensated no-fault dismissal on the policy bonfire were warmly by the CIPD, following Vince Cable’s announcement of a package of employment law reforms. However, the CIPD is cautious about the measures designed “to make it easier for businesses to dismiss employees”, i.e. reducing the cap on unfair dismissal compensation and facilitating settlements agreements with a view to terminating employment. The CIPD warns that it is crucial that these are not used in such a way as to undermine mutual trust and confidence in the workplace between employers and employees. The CIPD will be responding to the Government consultation to ensure that settlement agreements can’t be used as a first port of call by employers simply because an employee’s ‘face doesn’t fit’.
This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.