Increases in certain employment tribunal compensation award limits took effect on 1 February 2005. The limit on one week’s pay which can be used to calculate awards for redundancy or unfair dismissal has risen to £280 (from £270). The maximum amount of compensation that can be awarded for unfair dismissal has been increased from £55,000 to £56,800. The limits are reviewed on an annual basis.
A recent survey has confirmed that the majority of small businesses are aware of their obligations under the Data Protection Act. The findings revealed that there is a high level of awareness and also a broad acceptance of the principles governing data protection. Further detail can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk
A recent survey carried out by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has found that business owners want to be able to set the retirement age of their employees rather than having it dictated to them. The BCC’s view is that there should be a mandatory retirement age of 65 but with employers having the right to ‘define the end point of the employer-employee relationship’. The government meanwhile is discussing removing the right for employers to set the retirement age for their staff.