New on the Coalition Timeline
Trade Union rights
- Gagging act becomes law (19/9/2014)
Increasing vulnerability in the workplace
- Sports Direct to be sued by ZHC workers (18/9/2014)
- Business leaders call for a higher minimum wage (18/9/2014)
Welfare
- 73% of the people hit by the Benefit Cap are children (19/9/2014)
- Shocking PIP delays (18/9/2014)
Other
- £2,500 to access top Tories at conference (18/9/2014)
Latest ET Statistics Confirm Loss of Access to Justice for Workers
By Prof Nicole Busby from the Law School, University of Strathclyde
If we needed further proof that the Coalition’s policy of charging claimants to bring cases to the ET posed a serious threat to access to justice in employment disputes, the latest ET statistics published by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) provide it. The most recent figures, which cover April to June 2014, show that the downward trend in the number of claims brought, which has been recorded for every quarter since fees were introduced in July 2013, has continued. Single claims have fallen by 70% compared with the same period in 2013, with multiple claims down from 1500 to just 500.
Read more…
UNISON launch new judicial review
Unison have applied to submit new evidence in their appeal against the dismissal of their judicial review application against Employment Tribunal (ET) fees. The Lord Chancellor agreed that a new hearing should take place, taking into consideration new evidence. Unison will file a new judicial review application to include the most recent statistics on ET fees, which show an 81% drop in claims compared to the same quarter in 2013. Since the introduction of fees in July 2013, there has been an 86% drop in sex discrimination claims, and a 80% drop in Equal Pay claims. General secretary Dave Prentis said: “The union welcomes today’s decision of the Court of Appeal to stay proceedings while a new High Court claim is brought”.
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Business leaders call for a higher minimum wage
A letter calling for a faster rise in the minimum wage has been signed by several prominent business leaders and CEOs. The open letter was authored by Alan Buckle, the former KPMG chief, who Ed Miliband has hired to investigate how to restore the value of the minimum wage. The support for the letter is expected to give a boost to Labour ahead of their party conference.
The letter stated, “Now, as the economy recovers, we believe the minimum wage should rise faster than it has in the recent past. A stronger minimum wage will benefit businesses, improve public finances, and help tackle low pay. The economy is growing again. But we must ensure that all employees are benefiting from the recovery – especially the lowest paid in society who find it hardest to make ends meet.”
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NHS workers vote in favour of strike action
NHS workers in England, including nurses, occupational therapists, porters, paramedics, medical secretaries, cooks, and healthcare assistants, have voted yes to strike action.
Members of UNISON were balloted in response to the Government ignoring the independent Pay Review Body’s recommendations for an across-the-board rise. As such, 60% of NHS staff and 70% of nurses won’t get a pay rise for the next two years.68% of those who voted were in favour of a strike, while 32% were not. 88% were in favour of action short of strike action, while 12% voted against it.
Read More…
Publications
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
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
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.
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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!
The latest draw winners are:
Mandy Berger, UNISON
David Hope, GMB
Fred Brown, NASUWT/BELFAST
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.
IER Manifesto for Collective Bargaining
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