Law Queries

I read somewhere that there was shortly going to be a new law that would give everyone made redundant the right to £1,000 for every year of service. I think it is a new European law. Can you say when it is coming in?

There is no European legislation, nor plans for any, which would give individuals the right to these sums. Although from time to time this rumour emerges, there is no basis for it. It is true that in the late 1970s there was an EU scheme for special payments for those in the steel and coal industries, but this was in response to particular restructuring demands within Europe. The only legal rights which UK employees have are those laid down in the statutory redundancy pay scheme. These provide mainly a week's pay (set at a maximum of £250 a week) for every year of service, with additions for those aged over 41.

* More information: Redundancy law - a trade unionist's guide (February 2002) Price: £3.95 and Bargaining Report (February 2002) Price: £3.40; An annual subscription costs £37.75 (LRD affiliates) £44.75 (non-affiliates)