Key changes in Employment Law 2012
The most fundamental changes this year include 
- Extending unfair dismissal qualifying times to two years
- Proposal to introduce fees into the employment tribunal system, effect probable 2013
- Tribunal procedure reform
Limit on the amount of compensatory award for unfair dismissal rises from£68,400 to £72,300. – 1st Feb
Standard rates for statutory maternity, paternity, and adoption pay rise from £128.73 a week to £135.45. – 1st April
Statutory sick pay increases from £81.60 a week to £85.85. Qualifying period for unfair dismissal protection rises from one to two years. Major changes to employment tribunal procedure rules are expected – 6th April
Pensions auto-enrolment starts. National minimum wage may rise depending on Low Pay Commission‘s recommendations to the Government – due in February. – 1st October
Other Consultations on employment tribunal fees, and calls for evidence on whether or not TUPE and collective redundancy consultation rules should be amended.
