From the 6th April 2012 the qualifying time limts for employees to bring claims to Employment Tribunal are extended from one year to two.

The change will affect employees who are employed by you AFTER this date, the law won’t apply retrospectively.

We are aware that employee groups and the unions are likely to advise employees with short service to use the Equality Act 2010 and to target breaches of contract to get round this change.

As employers, now is a good time to review your contracts and handbooks to tighten up on any areas where you may be unwittingly be exposed.

In recent weeks our advisors have seen a variety of fascinating (read – dreadful/risky) employment contracts and contractual handbooks which could (and will) get employers into trouble with new employees despite the change in time limits.

If your current handbook is contractual using an introductory phrase along the lines “this handbook forms part of your contract of employment” – get it checked now before it costs you dear!

So in conclusion

Review your contracts of employmengt and make sure they properly reflect your business.

Check your Employee Handbooks and assess whether they form part of your contracts or not and make sure that you review any of your obligations within the handbook to ensure you aren’t unwillinglty committing to something that you dont do, which could lead to a breach of contract claim against you.

If you would like to discuss a review of your current Contract of Employment please contact Richard Gibson on 0116 272 0770 who can speak to our partner Bibby Group who can visit and discuss what options are available to you.

Andrew Bourne & Co.  who are specialist insurance brokers to the metal trades industry have now launched an additional product for the smaller customer to complement their current range of products.

The Metalworking Insurance Scheme is for Businesses under £10 Million turnover who are involved in a diverse range of activities that include:

• Sheet Metal Workers
• Iron/Steel Stockholders
• Bolt, Nut & Rivet Manufacturers
• Door and Window Frame Manufacturers
• General Engineers
• Can Manufacturers
• Coppersmiths and many more!

Premiums start from as low as £500 plus IPT and the policy provides wide policy coverage including full Theft Cover, Key Person, Commercial Legal Expenses and Machinery Breakdown cover.

Justin Pavey a director of Andrew Bourne &  Co. stated “Whether new or existing customers are involved within the Cast Metals Industry, Forging, Steel Stockholding, Powdercoating or General Metalworking & Engineering,  we now have a range of commercial insurance facilities  to suit all  These are  supported by experienced staff who have the knowledge and understanding of these industries.”

For further information on this scheme or you would like an insurance quotation or a visit,  please contact our metalworking specialist Richard Gibson on 0116 272 8821 or email: richard.gibson@abourne.com

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