Archives for 2009

There has been a radical overhaul of the immigration system in the UK, to a new Points Based System (“PBS”).  Previous immigration categories have been streamlined into 5 tiers, as set out below. The 5 tiers have been introduced in stages and now all but Tier 3 (which has been suspended) have been implemented.

The most significant of these changes has been the abolition of the old work permit system, on 26 November 2008, and its replacement Tier 2, which went live on 27 November 2008.

This advice note is intended to provide a summary of the issues that may need to be considered when conducting disciplinary investigations and hearings. It is not intended to be a detailed analysis of the law in this area.  

The Statutory Dismissal and Disciplinary procedures which came into force on 1 October 2004, has now been repealed but there are guidelines issued by ACAS  (The ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures) which will be highly relevant should the matter ever come before a tribunal. A failure to comply with these procedures will not render any dismissal automatically unfair but it will be used as evidence to show unfairness; and compensation can also be increased by 25% for failures.