Author Chris Cook

Date 1 February 2006

Changes to Redundancy Pay and Compensation

From 1 February 2006, there are significant changes to the rules for redundancy pay and
compensation.

  • The maximum weekly pay on which redundancy payments are based increases from £280 to £290. The maximum possible redundancy payment therefore goes up from £8,400 to £8,700. This is what would be due to an employee who had 20 years of service and was at least 61 on the date he/she was made redundant.
  • The basic award in unfair dismissal proceedings is calculated in a similar way to statutory redundancy pay and the same increase applies.
  • The maximum additional compensatory award in unfair dismissal proceedings increases from £56,800 to £58,400.

Equal Opportunities Policy - Civil Partnerships

As I expect you will be aware from the media, from 5 December 2005 same sex couples have been able to form a Civil Partnership by registering as civil partners. As an employer you may need to take action to make sure you are not unwittingly guilty of discrimination against people who are registered as civil partners. Do you give your employees some extra holiday when they get married, for example? If so you'll need to do the same if they register as civil partners. Awareness training for your staff will be essential, and your Equal Opportunities policy should be amended to include civil partners.

If you have any queries about these or any other employment or
work-related immigration issues, please contact Chris Cook on 01727 798089 or at employment@salaw.com.

© SA Law 2006
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