home / what we do / employment Employment law Employment law has changed considerably over recent years, creating more rights for employees and more pitfalls for employers. A few examples are listed below. The maximum compensatory award has increased from £65,300 to £68,400 with effect from the 1st February 2011. Failure to use the correct disciplinary procedures can now make an otherwise fair dismissal unfair. Substantial compensation has been awarded for workplace stress. Disability discrimination protection now affects companies with as few as 15 employees. The Working Time Directive is now law. Since 1st October 2006 it has been unlawful to discriminate against or harrass an employee on the ground of age.  This applies not only to existing employees, but to the recruiting process as well. On 1st October 2010 the Equality Act came into force introducting new rights for employees and potentially creating serious problems for employers. In October 2011 the Government announced that the qualifying period for unfair dismissal will be doubled to 2 years with effect from April 2012. We act for employers and employees, in particular where termination of employment is contemplated and (after termination of employment) in claims for compensation for wrongful and/or unfair dismissal. Wherever possible, we try to save our clients considerable sums of money in costs, by negotiating settlement of disputes, thus avoiding expensive Court or Employment Tribunal proceedings. Telephone us now on 01202 292075 for a confidential chat with Eric Baehr. We hope the following Articles will be of interest: -  Gross misconduct or being fired -  Overview of employment rights (personal) >> contact us >> other services