News Brief 12 September

Submitted by claudiaobrien on Fri, 12/09/2014 - 16:12

In the news this week

Mark Carney’s speech to TUC Congress received a mixed reaction, with the governor of the Bank of England declaring that interest rates will rise before wages do. Also speaking at Congress was shadow business secretary Chuka Ummuna, who drew attention to the Employment Tribunal fees that are “locking people out of the justice they are entitled to”. As if further evidence was needed, the Ministry of Justice has released quarterly ET statistics showing a 71% drop in ET claims, with a shocking 90% drop in claims for sex discrimination.

To learn more about updates to employment law, including on the new Employment Tribunal and EC processes, there are upcoming IER Employment Update conferences, in London (7/10) and Liverpool (22/10). Click here for more information, and to book your place online.

Frances O’Grady drew attention to Britain returning to a “Downtown Abbey-style society”, with rising inequality and social mobility in reverse. “Economic growth is back but there’s no sign of it in most workers’ pay packets”, she said. This is not the case for MPs however, with a 10% pay rise looking likely, and the news that they are claiming more expenses now than they were at the height of the 2009 scandal – up £5m on last year alone.

New on the Coalition Timeline

Click here to see the Coalition Timeline

Equality

Public sector “lacks diversity” (11/9/2014)

Redundancy and Grievances

Bombardier to cut 400 jobs (11/9/2014)

Increasing vulnerability in the workplace

71% Drop in ET claims (11/9/2014)

Unison calls on Welsh councils to end ZHCs (11/9/2014)

Economy

Cameron makes false claims about migrant workers (11/9/2014)

TTIP will include NHS

Public Sector

Healthcare funding distribution unfair, says audit

“Shocking complacency” over G4s and Serco

71% drop in Employment Tribunal claims

The Ministry of Justice has this morning released quarterly tribunal statistics (Apr – Jun 2014) revealing a 71% drop in Employment Tribunal claims, compared to the same period in 2013. This is the third quarter in a row where the number of claims has dropped. These statistics reflect the reluctancy of workers to take their grievances to court after the introduction of Employment Tribunal fees in July 2013. The fees of up to £1,200 are unfeasible for many, at a time where the cost of living is rocketing and wages are stagnant.

TUC in ‘outright opposition’ to TTIP, as public outrage mounts

The proposed US-EU trade agreement, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) will include the NHS, trade minister Lord Livingston confirmed earlier this month, despite having promised the contrary. The deal will make the reversal of privatisation practically impossible by granting corporations the power to sue any government attempting to bring the NHS, as well as other public services, back into state ownership.

EU-Canada trade deal underway

As TTIP, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, attracts public attention and public outcry, a similar trade deal with Canada is currently underway. The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is a free trade agreement between the EU and Canada, branded a ‘threat to democracy’ by the World Development Movement.

Publications

Re-regulating Zero Hours Contracts

By Zoe Adams and Simon Deakin

ZHCs are highly profitable for employers, but lead to insecurity of income and low pay for workers. The authors point to rigidities in employment law and the operation of the tax-benefit system as being responsible for the rise in zero hours contracting. Order your copy here

Trade Unions and Economic Inequality

By Dr Lydia Hayes and Professor Tonia Novitz

What is the point of trade unions? What do they deliver? Are trade unions relevant in 21st century modern society? These and many other questions are answered by the authors of this timely and well presented report. Order your copy here

TUPE 2014

By Richard Arthur

A collection of papers by the UK’s leading experts on labour migration on the exploitation of migrant workers and the need for labour law reform.

Help us to celebrate 25 years of the Institute

Donations are coming in daily to mark the 25th Anniversary of the Institute. If you make a donation, don’t forget to send us a supporting statement about why you support the institute. So, whether you’re an individual or a branch, whether it’s £25 or £250, join in and you’ll be included in out monthly draw to win a free place at an IER event!

Forthcoming Events

Employment Law Update 2014, Unite the Union, London

Tuesday 7 October 2014

This 10th annual IER conference is designed to ensure trade union representatives are kept up to date and well-informed about developments in employment law. It is a must go to event for anyone with an interest in employment law and the protection of collective and individual workers’ rights.

Employment Law Update 2014, Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool

Wednesday 22 October 2014
This 7th annual IER conference in the North West is designed to ensure trade union representatives are kept up to date and well-informed about developments in employment law. It is a must go to event for anyone with an interest in employment law and the protection of collective and individual workers’ rights.

Equality and Discrimination: What Next For Equal Rights? , Unite the Union, London

Wednesday 19 November 2014
Four years after the introduction of the Equality Act and where are we now? Leading equality experts from the law, trade unions and academia will come together to critically assess the latest case law, precedents and evidence and anticipate where they will lead us in terms of ensuring fairness at work for all.

TUPE Update: the new Regulations, Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool

Wednesday 3rd December 2014
The government published new TUPE Regulations in November 2013, revealing service provision rules will not be repealed, but several changes will be made that could hinder trade union activity. There are many uncertainties about the new regulations and the conference will aim to provide answers to many questions plus any additional questions from delegates on the day.

The Institute of Employment Rights