Abolition of the default retirement age

Until now an employer could make an employee leave the service using the default retirement age procedure. That meant that a member of staff could be forced to go after reaching a certain age.

But that is now changing and one of the biggest legal changes employers will have to deal with in 2011 is the abolition of the default retirement age (DRA). The DRA will not, however, be completely abolished until 1 October 2011. In addition transitional arrangements will come into force from 6 April 2011.

There will be a six-month transitional period when employers will be unable to issue new notifications of retirement.

The default retirement age will be completely removed on 1 October and employers will be prohibited from retiring employees by means of the default retirement age from this date.

The affect of this change will be that those who wish to remain in employment for a longer period can do so without fear of being forced out the door. The concern with this change comes from fears that jobs will not be freed by older workers for those who have just entered the job market but the change is also seen as a positive move to deal with discriminatory practices at work against older workers.

Action on Elder abuse

We know that the number of old age pensioners in the Greek community is increasing and the number of complaints is also going up. Action on Elder Abuse (AEA) works to protect, and prevent the abuse of, vulnerable older adults. We were the first charity to address these problems and are the only charity in the UK and in Ireland working exclusively on the issue today. Consequently, when you provide support to us, or make a donation, you can be sure that it will be used exclusively on issues relating to elder abuse and nothing else. Our work is fundamental to challenging elder abuse in the UK and we constantly need financial support to continue our activities. Although we are as effective as many of the bigger charities, we receive only a fraction of their income. Help us continue to make a difference. There are a variety of options for making donations to us. Use text on your mobile phone, the Just Giving logo, or click on the 'Support us' link to find out more.

http://www.elderabuse.org.uk/

Your rights at work

We are sometimes placed in situations at work where we are not certain as to what rights we have. People who are not members of organised Trades Unions are often left on their own to deal with whatever difficulties they face.

Employment Law in the UK and throughout the European Union is quite extensive. It is a mistake, however, to think that the law is there to protect either side in any industrial dispute. Employment law exists to keep a balance between rights and obligations. So an employee will have certain rights and an employer certain obligations towards that member of staff and the same works in reverse.

I will be visiting this area of law soon with specific information of what you can do as an employee to protect your position and what obligations employers have.

The New Apprenticeship Agenda: The Union Role [Conference]

Date: 9th February 2011Venue: TUC, Congress Centre.

This event could be of interest to younger members of the community in London, worth attending if interested.

London Apprenticeships are a major skills priority for the Government- they are also a key priority for unions. Join us to hear about the successes that unions have achieved so far in supporting apprentices and hear about how the apprenticeship agenda will develop in the coming years.

http://www.tuc.org.uk/workplace/tuc-19025-f0.cfm

A new Employment rights page

A new page dedicated to dealing with aspects of employment law issues will be starting soon.

The London Greek Film Festival

http://www.londongreekfilmfestival.com/index.htm

TUC Diploma in occupational health

Apply today for the TUC Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety online.

http://www.tuc.org.uk/workplace/tuc-18988-f0.cfm