Increase in limits on tribunal awards
From 1 February 2008, under the Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order 2007, a number of limits applying to tribunal awards and other amounts payable under employment legislation will increase. The new limits will be applicable where the event that gives rise to the award or payment occurs on or after 1 February 2008.
The key changes are as follows:
- The limit on the amount of a week’s pay for the purposes of calculating statutory redundancy payments and the basic award for unfair dismissal will increase from £310 to £ 330.
- The maximum compensatory award for unfair dismissal goes up from £60,600 to £63,000.
- Guarantee pay increases from the rate of £ 19.60 a day to £ 20.40 a day.
- The minimum basic award in cases where the dismissal was unfair by virtue of health and safety, employee representative, trade union, or occupational pension trustee reasons will increase from £4,200 to £4,400.
The new rates apply in cases where the event giving rise to compensation or payment occurs on or after 1 February 2008, e.g. in the case of unfair dismissal the rates apply to all dismissals where the effective date of termination falls on or after this date. Where the dismissal or relevant event falls before 1 February, the old limits will still apply, irrespective of the date on which compensation is awarded.
The Order can be viewed at:
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2007/uksi_20073570_en_1
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.
