Redundancies and Unfair Dismissals Increase

The Office for National Statistics reports that the total number of redundancies increased from 156,000 during July to September to 263,000 from October to December 2008. The manufacturing sector saw most cuts although there were also significant redundancies in the banking, insurance, construction, distribution and hospitality sectors. The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) reports that enquiries about redundancy have increased by 18% during October to December 2008 and it expects this figure to rise. A spokesperson for the CAB reported that employment is the third biggest enquiry area after debt and benefits. CAB is also seeing some employers try to avoid redundancy pay and compensation in lieu of notice by telling employees they face only a temporary layoff when in fact there is no chance of being re-employed. Statutory redundancy pay was recently increased to £350 per week. Unfair dismissal now has a maximum award of £66,200. If you have been unfairly selected for redundancy or feel you have unfairly dismissed, please call Vaishali Thakerar or Ashley Hunt on 0116 212 1000 now or complete one of the on-line forms.