Duty to inform in collective redundancy cases

July's Accountancy (p55) reported the landmark decision in the case of USDAW and others v WW Realisation 1 Ltd (in Liquidation) and another [2013] UKEAT/0547/8/12KN. This established that the duty to collectively consult with representatives was triggered where there was a proposal to make 20 or more employees redundant, regardless of where they were based.

Collective consultation duties will therefore apply much more frequently than previously recognised. The penalties for non-compliance can be severe with protective awards of up to 90-days' pay for each employee made redundant.