A 3,000 word assignment based on a case study or observations of an employee tribunal case. Assessing Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6. (100%).

The following areas form the scope of the module:
i) Recruitment.
ii) Formation & Operation of the Contract of Employment.
iii) Discrimination/Equalities law.
iv) Discipline & dismissal.
v) Health and safety.
vi) Wages and occupational benefits.
vii) Family-friendly working and work-life balance.
viii) Workplace change, including redundancy, ‘transfers’, etc.
ix) Collective employment law.

Illustrative Examples (Indicative):
1. The practical impact of the law on day-to-day management activities and decision-making in organisations
2. Approaches to managing key aspects of the employment relationship which are lawful, effective, and which minimise risk to the organisation
3. Managing disciplinary and grievance procedures
4. The operation of Employment tribunals and other courts with jurisdiction to hear employment-related matters, including pre-trial conciliation, ACAS, and alternative dispute resolution options
5. Sources of information about employment law, and its evolution, and new and anticipated future developments and trends, and their practical significance for organisations

1. Explain the core principles that underpin employment law as it applies in the uk (or ireland), including statutory and common law and their purpose, origin and practical implications
Knowledge & Understanding
Learning

2. Advise colleagues about significant legal implications of decisions, plans or proposals in the employment field
Analysis
Problem Solving

3. Advise about the appropriate action that should be taken in workplace scenarios where employment regulation applies
Application
Problem Solving

4. Play a leading role in determining the appropriate organisational response when legal action on the part of a worker or employee is either anticipated, threatened or taken
Analysis
Problem Solving

5. Participate in the preparation, presentation and settling of employment tribunal cases
Application
Communication

6. Know how to keep knowledge of developments in employment law up to date to enhance ability to advise about the impact of these developments on employment policy and practice in participants’ organisations
Reflection

The module programme will include these features:
Tutor-led learning assisted by recommended texts, articles, and other sources, including on-line systems and legal data bases. Student-centred learning will include tasks and activities supported by background reading. Small group activities will enable participants to develop knowledge and understanding of module themes as well as relevant skills, and facilitate discussion of issues that draws on their experience. Independent enquiry and consolidation of understanding will be expected and encouraged, with students utilising information from a range of paper and electronic sources. Participation in a moot (legal trial) in a mock Employment Tribunal (ET) at the end of the programme will be expected, with participants working as part of one of the ET teams: claimant, respondent, or tribunal. Attendance at an ET will also be encouraged (at one of the regional centres: Stoke, Manchester, Birmingham, or Shrewsbury).

This module may be offered in block delivery, with concentrated learning sessions facilitated by an appropriate tutor. The use of action learning sets will be a major tool in enhancing the experience. . The learning strategy will focus on ‘problem and practice-based learning’. Outside of this, material will be available on the VLE (Blackboard) to support these contact sessions and to encourage deeper learning. Where appropriate, workplace mentors will support and encourage their learners with access to relevant company information and people.

Appropriate texts, legislation, case law and organisational policies (including published sources or material from participants own workplace if available)
Computing facilities to access resources available on the web, and access to on-line systems and databases like Westlaw, Lexis Library, PLC On-line).
Blackboard VLE
CIPD site, and publications, guidance, FAQs, etc and relevant journals, including HR Review (Employment Law) on-line.

FOR CIPD STUDENTS

Honeyball, S., and Bowers, J. (2014) Textbook on Labour Law. 13th ed. Oxford, Oxford University Press, or

Lockton, D: Employment Law. 9th ed. Basingstoke, Palgrave. (2014)
Wadham, S et al (2012) Blackstone’s Guide to the Equality Act 2010, Oxford University Press, 2nd Edn
Or later editions of the above publications if available.
Other materials and sources may be advised during the programme.