Acas has published new guidance to help employers handle collective redundancies. The Government asked Acas to produce the guidance to accompany the change to the collective redundancy consultation legislation on April 6 2013, which reduced the minimum consultation period, where 100+ redundancies were proposed within a period of 90 days at one establishment, from 90 days to 45 days. The new guidance Advisory booklet – How to manage collective redundancies is designed help employers understand their legal obligations and sets out the principles and behaviours behind a good quality consultation to help employers manage collective redundancies more effectively.
The booklet explains the meaning of collective redundancy provides a ten-point checklist for handling collective redundancies and describes how employers can look after employees and their business. The four appendices cover: (i) an explanation of redundancy law; (ii) sample forms for a selection matrix/redundancy agreement; (iii) an outline of statutory redundancy payments; and (iv) an explanation of the election, roles and responsibilities of employee representatives.
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.