FEBRUARY
New Tribunal award limits come into force

The limit on the amount of the compensatory award for unfair dismissal increases from £68,400 to £72,300 on 1 February 2012.

APRIL
Qualifying period for unfair dismissal protection is increased
The qualifying period for an employee to bring an unfair dismissal claim increases from one year to two years. This change comes into force on 6 April 2012.

Changes to employment tribunal procedure
The Government has announced a "fundamental review" of the Employment Tribunal Rules of Procedure, with substantial changes to employment tribunal procedure expected to be introduced on 6 April 2012.

Maternity, paternity and adoption pay are increased
The standard rates of statutory maternity, paternity and adoption pay increases from £128.73 to £135.45 per week from 1 April 2012.

Rate of statutory sick pay is increased
The standard rate of statutory sick pay increases from £81.60 to £85.85 per week on 6 April 2012.

 OCTOBER
Pensions auto-enrolment begins
Starting from 1 October 2012, large employers have to enrol eligible employees automatically, and make mandatory employer contributions, into a qualifying workplace pension scheme or the National Employment Savings Trust (Nest).

National minimum wage may rise
The national minimum wage may rise on 1 October 2012, subject to the prevailing economic conditions and the Low Pay Commission's recommendations to be delivered to the Government in February 2012