News

Local Government Services Pay Agreement 2024 published

The National Joint Council for local government services has confirmed that agreement has been reached on rates of pay applicable from 1st April 2024 for support staff in schools and colleges.The Agreement covers the period 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025 with employers encouraged to implement the award as swiftly as possible.The new pay rates represent an … Read more

School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document 2024 published

The School Teachers Pay and Conditions Document 2024 was published on Friday 18th October. As expected, the changes in this version of the Document relate to:- In line with the recommendations in the STRB’s 34th Report, from 1 September 2024 a 5.5% increase will be applied to all pay and allowance ranges and advisory points. All pay … Read more

Employer successfully defends claims of unfair dismissal based on capability and performance (EAT)

In Kikwera-Akaka v Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) upheld the original Employment Tribunal (ET) decision, dismissing claims of unfair dismissal. The case revolved around the dismissal of Mr Kikwera-Akaka, an employee at one of the Salvation Army’s charity shops, on the grounds of capability and performance. The claimant, Mr Kikwera-Akaka, was … Read more

Employment Right Bill published

BackgroundThe government previously set out wide ranging plans to reform employment law in its manifesto and its Plan to Make Work Pay.On 10 October 2024, it introduced the Employment Rights Bill 2024-25 (Bill) into Parliament, meeting its commitment to introduce the Bill within 100 days of entering office.The Employment Rights Bill 2024 introduces several landmark changes set … Read more

Employer successfully defends claims of race and disability discrimination (ET)

In Mr A Nti v University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, the Employment Tribunal (ET) dismissed claims of race and disability discrimination, victimisation, and being subjected to a detriment due to protected disclosures. The claimant, Mr Nti, argued that he faced multiple instances of less favourable treatment during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in … Read more

Teacher appraisals update: what you need to know…

In July 2024 the DfE released new guidance for schools on teacher appraisals. Here is what you need to know. Concerns about aspects of the teacher’s work performance – support before capability The appraisal cycle The main roles and responsibilities in appraisals Reducing workload A fundamental principle that schools should take into account when developing, … Read more

Welcome Back!

Good afternoon,We hope you all had a lovely summer break.Below is an overview of the changes which come into force from September 2024. Keeping children safe in education 2024The September 2024 version of the keeping children safe in education guidance is now in force, replacing previous versions. This was initially published for information in May.Link – Keeping … Read more

Employer Liable for Unfair Dismissal (EAT)

In Mr. B Knight v Off Broadway Ltd: [2024] EAT 109, the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) held that: The Claimant, Mr. B Knight, was employed by the Respondent and brought forward claims of unfair dismissal. He highlighted significant issues in the way his dismissal was handled, which contributed to the tribunal’s decision. The tribunal found that the … Read more