New rules aimed at streamlining the Employment Tribunal process have been announced by Employment Relations Minister Jo Swinson. These changes will make tribunals easier to understand, more efficient and will help weed out weak claims. In November 2011 the government commissioned Mr Justice Underhill, former President of the Employment Appeal Tribunal to lead a fundamental review of the rules of procedure for employment tribunals. In its response, the government sets out plans to streamline the tribunal... Read more >

A study from totaljobs.com reveals that nine out of 10 graduates would like to work for an SME. While recent research from the BIS has shown small businesses are missing out on a potential wealth of future talent through a lack of engagement with graduates, the survey uncovers a willing market of untapped graduates able to compete for the 196,000 jobs on offer in today’s SME employment market. Reasons why graduates would consider a job within an SME include: 62 per cent believe that SMEs develop... Read more >

British businesses will be helped to tackle long-term sickness absence in the workplace thanks to a new independent assessment and advisory service aimed at getting people back to work and away from long-term sickness benefits, the Minister for Welfare Reform Lord Freud has announced. The scheme will save employers up to £160 million a year in statutory sick pay and increase economic output by up to £900 million a year. Currently, only 10 per cent of employees of small firms have access to an occupational... Read more >

A suggestion by a Government minister that workers should be allowed to ask for flexible working to avoid rush hour congestion has been branded ‘nonsensical’ by the Forum of Private Business. LibDem Business Minister Jo Swinson told a House of Commons Business Committee on women’s workplace rights earlier this week that employees should be able to request the right to come into work earlier or later to avoid peak time travel. All employees with at least six months service would be able to request... Read more >

Businesses are being targeted in a new Government campaign urging them to kick off the new year by taking on a young person. Minister for Employment, Mark Hoban, challenged businesses as he launched the new ‘Youth Contract: Works for me’ advertising drive on local radio stations. The campaign raises awareness of the £1bn Youth Contract, the Government’s package of support offering nearly half a million opportunities to help 18-24 year-olds into work. Hoban is particularly urging... Read more >

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