May 2014 Changes to Employment Law

Employers are reminded that the minimum time period for complying with the rules regarding the provision of employee liability information when there is a relevant transfer under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE) is extended from 14 to 28 days prior to the date of transfer where the transfer takes place on or after 1 May 2014.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has published a guide to the TUPE Regulations as amended by the Collective Redundancies and Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (Amendment) Regulations 2014.

In addition, under the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) Early Conciliation scheme, from 6 May 2014 it is compulsory for anyone wishing to bring an Employment Tribunal claim to first send details of their dispute to Acas, which will offer the parties the opportunity to settle the matter through the new, free service. If the offer is refused or the attempt at conciliation fails, the claimant will be able to proceed with their claim.