Proposal to raise work discrimination compensation

Proposals include changing the maximum award for discrimination claims from £10,000 to £50,000

Compensation limits for employment-related discrimination claims could be increased if a proposition is approved.

The Social Security Minister Deputy Lyndsay Feltham has proposed changes to the Employment and Discrimination (Jersey) Amendment Law.

It recommends raising the maximum award for claims of discrimination from £10,000 to £50,000 and doubling the award for breaching staff contract rights from four to eight weeks' pay.

Feltham said the proposition was based on recommendations from Jersey's Employment Forum, which oversaw the island's job laws.

Compensation review

Employers would need to provide written reasons for dismissal within seven days of termination - failure to comply could result in a tribunal ordering the employer to provide reasons or pay up to eight weeks pay as compensation.

It could also lead to an additional 25% compensation in cases of unfair dismissal.

Feltham has proposed changes to tribunal procedures including anonymising judgements, introducing a limited costs regime "for vexatious conduct" and extending response times for employers.

For higher compensation claims, the maximum award for financial loss would be increased to £50,000 or 52 weeks' pay, as well as the total compensation for a single case to be capped at the same amounts, and awards for hurt and distress raised from £5,000 to £30,000.

'Greater protection'

Reviews of compensation limits would be reviewed by the social security minister every three years.

"These amendments will give employees greater protection and ensure a fairer, more transparent process in addressing workplace issues," Feltham said.

The earliest it can be debated is 21 January.