A new Acas survey has found that 6 out of 10 large businesses said they were likely to make redundancies in the next 3 months. For businesses that are likely to make redundancies, over a quarter (27%) said they plan to do this remotely over video chat or a phone call. Of concern is that 1 in 4 (24%) bosses are unaware of the law around consulting staff before making redundancies – this increases to 1 in 3 (33%) where businesses have fewer than 50 workers. Acas remind employers that If an employer finds there are no other choices than to make redundancies then there are strict rules on consulting staff that they must follow. An employer must discuss any planned changes and consult with each employee who could be affected. Where it is proposed to make 20 to 99 redundancies, collective consultation must start with appropriate representatives at least 30 days before the first dismissal can take effect, and for 100 or more redundancies, it has to start at least 45 days before.
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.
