Legal lightbulb – people law, policy and practice

As part of keeping you in our focus, our ‘legal lightbulb’ update ensures you’re on top of the latest changes in legislation, case law, and people trends.

Employment tribunal statistics

2022/23 costs and compensation:

Disability discrimination claims received the largest average award (£45,000) compared to other discrimination claims
The highest maximum award was £1,770,000 for disability discrimination
The mean award for unfair dismissal was £12,000 across 790 claims receiving compensation

Auto-enrolment bill receives Royal Assent

The Pensions (Extension of Automatic Enrolment) Act 2023 gives the Secretary of State the power to make two key changes:

To reduce the age for being automatically enrolled into a pension scheme (from 22 to 18 years old); and
Remove the lower earnings limit for contributions meaning auto-enrolment contributions start from the first pound, not just those over £192 per week.

We currently have no set implementation date but will update you when we have more details. Obviously, there is nothing stopping you from adopting the changes before the legislation comes into force.

Data Protection and Digital Information Bill No.2

The government’s aim is to simplify the UK’s data protection framework – in particular, they’re suggesting that record keeping of personal data will only be required where processing results in a high risk to the rights of individuals (the Information Commissioner’s Office will need to publish guidance on what constitutes ‘high risk’).

Employers with less than 250 employees are exempt from record-keeping duties unless their data processing activities carry a high risk to the rights of individuals. The bill is currently working through the House of Commons and is due its third reading stage.

People dates for your diary

21 November – Carers Rights Day | Raising awareness of rights and challenges of unpaid carers

25 November – White Ribbon Day | Preventing violence against women and promoting gender equality

07 December – Christmas Jumper Day | Save the Children’s annual fundraising event

02-08 December – National Grief Awareness Week | Supporting those who may be grieving and create better understanding of the grieving process

Get in touch if you’d like to discuss anything we’ve covered in this update and how it might impact your business.

This update is accurate on the date it was published, but may be subject to change which may or may not be notified to you. This update is not to be taken as advice and you should seek advice if anything contained within affects you or your business.