CIPD Publishes Blueprint for Growth

The Charted Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) today urged the Government to introduce a £2.50 rate for internships lasting at least three months. In its publication, “Platform 2011 A Blueprint for Growth”, the CIPD sets out various calls to government; these also included:

• encouraging investment in key leadership & people management skills;

• extending the right to request flexible working to all employees;

• establishing mediation as a routine part of employment tribunal claims;

• raising awareness around 2012 pension reforms.

How much this paper adds to the debate is open to question, as some of these objectives are already been considered, the government having previously:

• indicated its plans to consult on extending the right to flexible working for all employees;

• announced a consultation on extending the qualifying period (the length of time employees have to work before gaining protection against unfair dismissal) has previously been announced, and this is anticipated to open this week.

There is also legal ambiguity about the rights of interns to be paid the minimum wage under current legislation; and changes to pensions – introducing an automatic enrolment of employees – is expected to be introduced in 2012, but in 2012 this will only apply to employers with 50,000 or more staff (the smallest employers – with less than 50 staff – won’t be affected until 2014).

Employment rights will continue to evolve, and those employers wishing to keep up to date with this can follow Employment Law Clinic on Twitter or receive email alerts on the latest news – email us at latestnews@employmentlawclinic.com.

Filed under: General News by Employment Law Clinic           Post created on: January 10th, 2011