Employment Law is undergoing its biggest shake-up for 30 years and that the working environment is being revolutionised. Employees can now qualify for an unfair dismissal claim if they have worked for only ONE year. The Compensatory Award for unfair dismissal has dramatically increased.
All workers have the right to be accompanied at discipliniary and grievance hearings.
Employees can only work a maximum of 48 hours a week. A reference must be true and fair. Maternity leave for all female employees has increased to 18 weeks. Fathers and mothers have a right to 13 weeks unpaid leave. The Human Rights Act came into force in October 2000 and is likely to impinge on various employment issues.