Increases in Awards for Industrial Tribunal and Fair Employment Tribunal Claims

The Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order (Northern Ireland) 2023 came into force from 06 April 2023.  This Order sets out increases that apply to certain statutory payments and awards made by the Office of the Industrial Tribunals and Fair Employment Tribunal.

The increases include:

• An increase in the maximum amount of a week’s pay for the purposes of calculating a statutory redundancy payment and basic award from £594 to £669.
• An increase in the minimum amount of a basic award in dismissals for certain automatically unfair reasons to include health and safety grounds or trade union activities from £7,228 to £8,139.
• An increase in the amount of a compensatory award for unfair dismissal from £94,063 to £105,915.
• An increase in the limit on amount of Guarantee payment for a workless day from £31 to £35.

For dismissals occurring after 6^th April 2023, the increased rates apply.

For employers with employees across the UK, it is important to note that there are some differences between the rates which apply in Northern Ireland and Great Britain, with the rates in NI generally being higher.

Should you require any information or advice in relation to these matters, please do not hesitate to contact our Employment team.

This article has been produced for general information purposes and further advice should be sought from a professional advisor.