Choose an option form the list or scroll down to view all information:

• NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE (FROM 1st OCTOBER 2008)
• KEY FACTS
• BREACH OF CONTRACT

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NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE (FROM 1st OCTOBER 2008)

NB: these figures change annually.

• The main NMW rate for those aged 22 and over is £5.73 an hour.
• The rate for those aged 18-21 years old inclusive is £4.77 an hour.
• The youth rate for those under 18 and who are above school leaving age is £3.53 an hour.

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KEY FACTS

It is important for you to know, the reality of today's employment law, and the impact it has on your business. Did you know that unfair dismissal claims now exceed £60,000 or more? For employees claiming racial or gender discrimination, there is no ceiling to what the claimant can receive.

Payouts for discrimination cases brought to tribunal are soaring and according to employment specialists small businesses are leaving themselves open to more incrimination.

Improving employee relations is just one way in which Gordon Associates can support small businesses.

Research now reveals that a company's output can increase if employees in the workplace are happy and fulfilled in their role (source: CIPD “Case for good people management”).

This is an area in which HR excels as a profession acting as a catalyst for growth and improving the performance of your team. In addition, preventative measures are put in place to avoid employer/employee conflict. Employee turnover is decreased and productivity is raised.

Unfair Dismissal maximum £63,000

Discrimination £ UNLIMITED

Injury to Feelings £25,000 PLUS DAMAGES – these figures are determined by the courts.

(Virdi v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis), in which £100,000 for injury to feelings and £25,000 aggravated damages was awarded. This is rare but it does happen.

Unfair Dismissal minimum £4,400 – (As from 1 Feb 2008)

Constructive Dismissal £60,600 - As part of damages for an Unfair Dismissal claim, the figures are determined by the courts

Wrongful Dismissal £25,000 Capped – Normally as part of damages for an unfair dismissal claim, the figures are determined by the courts.

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BREACH OF CONTRACT

Where an employee makes a breach of employment contract claim to an employment tribunal (or an employer makes a counter claim) the maximum amount that may be awarded in respect of that claim (for a number of claims arising from the same breach of contract) is £25,000

Note: The new rates will apply to dismissals taking place on or after 1 February 2009 - if an employee is dismissed before 1 February the old rates will apply, regardless of when the tribunal hearing takes place.

The headline increases are:

• Maximum compensation for unfair dismissal is to be increased from £63,000 to £66,200
• Maximum amount of "a week's pay" (for calculating statutory redundancy pay, or the basic award for unfair dismissal) is to be increased from £330 to £350
• Maximum statutory redundancy payment: £9,900 to £10,500.

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