Baehrs Solicitors Abchurch Chambers 24 St. Peter's Road Bournemouth Dorset BH1 2LN Tel: 01202 292075 Fax: 01202 295454 litigation@baehrs.co.uk home / what we do / employment Employment law Employment law has changed considerably over recent years, creating more rights for employees and more pitfalls for employers. A few examples are listed below. The qualifying period for unfair dismissal has been halved to one year whilst the maximum compensatory award has increased from £12,000 just a few years ago to £63,000 with effect from the 1st February 2008. Failure to use the correct disciplinary procedures can now make an otherwise fair dismissal unfair. Substantial compensation has been awarded for workplace stress. Disability discrimination protection now affects companies with as few as 15 employees. The Working Time Directive is now law. With effect from October 2004 there have been major changes to procedure, making proper grievance and disciplinary proceedings compulsory. Since 1st October 2006 it has been unlawful to discriminate against or harrass an employee on the ground of age.  This applies not only to existing employees, but to the recruiting process as well. We act for employers and employees, in particular where termination of employment is contemplated and (after termination of employment) in claims for compensation for wrongful and/or unfair dismissal. Wherever possible, we try to save our clients considerable sums of money in costs, by negotiating settlement of disputes, thus avoiding expensive Court or Employment Tribunal proceedings. >> contact us >> other services Baehrs Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority