The Employment Act 1999 implements some of the most sweeping changes to employment law for many years. Its far-reaching provisions include reducing the two-year qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims to one year, raising the upper limit on compensation awards for unfair dismissal to #50,000, a statutory procedure for trade union recognition and representation as well as measures in support of flixible working practices. It is expected that the Act will create an initial upsurge in the number of unfair dismissal claims against employers and lead to greater trade union involvement in the workplace. All employment lawyers, trade union lawyers and personnel managers will need to be aware of the practical implications of the act. This text provides a practical analysis of the Act, assessing the likely impact of this significant new legislation. The full text of the Employment Relations Act 1999 is included.
