- Introduction of the National Living Wage – from 1 April 2016, the National Living Wage took effect in the UK. All workers aged 25 and over are entitled to be paid a minimum of £7.20 per hour.
- National Minimum Wage Rates – from 1 October 2016, the apprentice rate will rise to £3.40, the minimum hourly rate for 16-17 year olds will increase to £4.00, 18-20 year olds will be entitled to a minimum of £5.66 and 21 -24 year olds must be paid at least £6.95 per hour. Penalties for employers failing to pay the above rates doubled from 1 April 2016 to 200% of arrears, subject to a maximum of £20,000 per worker.
- Unfair Dismissal Awards – from 6 April 2016, in unfair dismissal claims the maximum Compensatory Award has increased from £78,335 to £78,692. The Basic Award, which applies in addition, has increased from £14,250 to £14,370.
- Redundancy Pay – from 6 April 2016, the maximum amount of statutory redundancy pay has been increased from £14,250 to £14,370. The weekly figure at which pay is capped for calculating redundancy payments has increased from £475 to £479.
- Statutory Sick Pay – from 6 April 2016, the standard rate of statutory sick pay is £88.45 per week.
- Statutory Maternity, Paternity and Adoption Pay – from 6 April 2016, the standard rate of statutory maternity, paternity and adoption pay is £139.58 per week.
If you would like to discuss any employment law matter, please contact Hugh Grant (hjg@mitchells-roberton.co.uk) or Paul Neilly (pdn@mitchells-roberton.co.uk) or telephone 0141 552 3422.