Tag Archives: Miller Samuel

According to new figures, the number of workers on zero-hour contracts working for Glasgow City Council has risen significantly in the last year.

The figures show that the Council employ 1,689 people on zero-hour contracts with no guarantee of regular work, up from 1,436 in the previous year. The vast majority of those working on zero-hour contracts work as supply teachers, exam invigilators and classroom assistants, with many of the councils at-arms-length companies hiring on zero-hour contracts exclusively.

The outcome of the upcoming general election could have a large impact on employment law, with various proposed changes appearing in party manifestos. A key potential change would be the devolution of the Employment Tribunal system in Scotland, draft provisions for which are contained in the Scotland Bill 2015 following the report of the Smith Commission. It remains to be seen whether these provisions will become law. If they do, it means that the potential exists for there to become greater differences between the Employment Tribunal in Scotland and those in England and Wales.

This is generally not mentioned in the manifestos of the various parties, but proposals regarding a number of employment law issues are. Looking at the manifestos of the Conservatives, Greens, Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the SNP and UKIP, issues which tend to feature are the minimum wage, changes to zero hours contracts, discrimination and employment tribunal fees.

Over 400 barristers have signed an open letter stating their concern regarding the cost of employment tribunals in the UK.

The open letter directly attacks justice secretary Chris Grayling calling the increase in tribunal fees introduced by the government as a “barrier to access to justice”.

The letter states “It is very clear from the drastic reduction in the number of claims brought in the employment tribunal that fees are currently too high.”

“The fees are a significant barrier to accessing justice and are preventing employees from being able to complain about contraventions of their employment rights.

“We do not think that the current level of fees can be justified by the suggestion – repeatedly made by the media, politicians and others – that prior to July 2013 a significant percentage of employment tribunal claims were vexatious.

On 5^th April, the much discussed Shared Parental Leave (SPL) scheme will become a live issue for employers to deal with. The concept of SPL is itself relatively straightforward: one parent can choose to end their maternity or adoption leave and share the remaining available leave with their partner. The legislation appears less straightforward as there are various requirements and processes to be followed. As the provisions apply to children born or placed for adoption on or after the 5^th April 2015, employees may now starting looking to take SPL and it will be helpful for employers to be aware of the provisions. This blog will cover some key points to be aware of in terms entitlement and requirements, as well as some practical points for consideration.