The extended length of this year’s Labour Law Review reflects the increasing significance of the law at work. New statutory developments and continuing judicial interpretations may offer new opportunities but they also add to the complexity facing trade unionists at work. The aim of this Review is to clarify these developments and highlight the main implications of the leading cases.

Inquiries into disasters and scandals have shown that employees will often be the first to be aware of malpractice and corruption in the workplace. Yet prior to the introduction of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 workers who blew the whistle found they had little if any protection against unfair dismissal or victimisation.

Over the last year there has been much discussion about UK workers developing a "compensation culture". Emphasis is placed on the increase in the number of cases going through the court and tribunal systems with particular focus on the associated increase in costs. Yet little is said about why there has been such an increase or indeed the nature of the cases.

This publication offers a timely review of the impact of the National Minimum Wage on individuals, businesses and the wider economy following the second anniversary of its implementation.

Bob Simpson considers the strengths and weaknesses of the legislation. He looks specifically at the exclusion of those under 18, the lower rate for those under 22 or undertaking training and the lack of adequate enforcement mechanisms.