Workplace trends 2012

Looking ahead to the challenges facing employers in 2012 ACAS has recently identified four key workplace issues.

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council v Yerrakalva Court of Appeal 2011

The recent Court of Appeal decision in Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council v Yerrakalva provides useful guidance on how Employment Tribunals should exercise their discretion when awarding costs and also illustrates that, depending on the facts, the costs awarded can be significant.

Reluctance to disclose mental health problems

A recent survey carried out by the CIPD revealed that there is still a considerable reluctance to discuss mental health issues in the workplace and that employers’ support is often inadequate.

Charging fees in Employment Tribunals and the EAT

The government has decided to introduce fees for commencing an Employment Tribunal claim or for pursuing proceedings at the EAT. Two options for the fee structure are proposed and depending on the option adopted, fees will be introduced either in 2013 or 2014.

Agency workers update

The Agency Workers Regulations 2010 came into force on 1 October 2011.