Employment Protection (Consolidation) Act 1978

Part IX U.K. Miscellaneous and Supplemental

Extension of employment protection legislation U.K.

137 Power to extend employment protection legislation. U.K.

(1) Her Majesty may by Order in Council provide that—

(a) the provisions of this Act; and

(b) any legislation (that is to say any enactment of the Parliament of Northern Ireland and any provision made by or under a Measure of the Northern Ireland Assembly) for the time being in force in Northern Ireland which makes provision for purposes corresponding to any of the purposes of this Act,

shall, to such extent and for such purposes as may be specified in the Order, apply (with or without modification) to or in relation to any person in employment to which this section applies.

[F1 (2) This section applies to employment for the purposes of—

(a) any activities in the territorial waters of the United Kingdom; or

(b) any activities which, if paragraphs (a) and (d) of subsection (6) of section 23 of the M1 Oil and Gas (Enterprise) Act 1982 (application of civil law to certain offshore activities) were omitted, would nevertheless fall within subsection (2) of that section.]

(3) An Order in Council under subsection (1)—

(a) may make different provision for different cases;

(b) may provide that all or any of the enactments referred to in subsection (1), as applied by such an Order, shall apply to individuals whether or not they are British subjects and to bodies corporate whether or not they are incorporated under the law of any part of the United Kingdom (notwithstanding that the application may affect their activities outside the United Kingdom);

(c) may make provision for conferring jurisdiction on any court or class of court specified in the Order, or on industrial tribunals, in respect of offences, causes of action or other matters arising in connection with employment to which this section applies;

(d) without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) or of paragraph (a), may provide that the enactments referred to in subsection (1), as applied by the Order, shall apply in relation to any person in employment for the purposes of such activities as are referred to in subsection (2) in any part of the areas specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of that subsection;

(e) may exclude from the operation of section 3 of the M2 Territorial Waters Jurisdiction Act 1878 (consents required for prosecutions) proceedings for offences under the enactments referred to in subsection (1) in connection with employment to which this section applies;

(f) may provide that such proceedings shall not be brought without such consent as may be required by the Order;

(g) may, without prejudice to the generality of the power under subsection (1) to modify the enactments referred to in that subsection in their application for the purposes of this section, modify or exclude the operation of sections 141 and 144 or paragraph 14 of Schedule 13 or of any corresponding provision in any such Northern Irish legislation as is referred to in subsection (1)(b).

(4) Any jurisdiction conferred on any court or tribunal under this section shall be without prejudice to jurisdiction exercisable apart from this section by that or any other court or tribunal.

(5)F2

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 137(2) substituted by Oil and Gas (Enterprise) Act 1982 (c. 23, SIF 86), Sch. 3 para. 40(1)

F2 S. 137(5) repealed by Oil and Gas (Enterprise) Act 1982 (c. 23, SIF 86), Sch. 4

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 137 applied (with modifications) (E.W.S.) by Wages Act 1986 (c. 48, SIF 43:2), ss. 9(4), 10(1), 30

C2 S. 137 applied (with modifications) by Employment Act 1990 (c. 38, SIF 43:5), s. 3(5), Sch. 1 para. 17

C3 S. 137 extended (7.2.1994) by 1993 c. 48, s. 165(7); S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

C4 S. 137 extended (N.I.) (7.2.1994) by 1993 c. 49, s. 161(6); S.R. 1994/17, art. 2

Marginal Citations

M1 1982 c. 23.

M2 1878 c. 73.

Crown employment U.K.

138 Application of Act to Crown employment. E+W+S

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this section, Parts I F3 . . ., II, III F4 , V, VIII and this Part and section 53 shall have effect in relation to Crown employment and to persons in Crown employment as they have effect in relation to other employment and to other employees.

(2) In this section, [F5 subject to subsections (3) to (5),] “Crown employment” means employment under or for the purposes of a government department or any officer or body exercising on behalf of the Crown functions conferred by any enactment.

(3) This section does not apply to service as a member of the naval, military or air forces of the Crown, F6 , but does apply to employment by any association established for the purposes of [F7 Part VI of the M3 Reserve Forces Act 1980]

(4) [F8 Part I (so far as it relates to itemised pay statements), Part II (except sections 22A to 22C and 31A), section 53 (apart from subsection (2A)), Part V (except so far as relating to a dismissal which is regarded as unfair by reason of section 57A, 59(1)(a) or 60) and Part VIII and this Part (so far as relating to any of those provisions) shall not have effect in relation to any Crown employment] in respect of which there is a certificate issued by or on behalf of a Minister of the Crown certifying that employment of a description specified in the certificate, or the employment of a particular person so specified, is (or, at a time specified in the certificate, was) required to be excepted from this section for the purpose of safeguarding national security; and any document puproorting to be a certificate so issued shall be received in evidence and shall, unless the contrary is proved, be deemed to be such a certificate.

[F9 (5) For the purposes of Parts I (so far as it relates to itemised pay statements), II, III (except section 44(3) and (4)), V, VII (except section 126(3) and (4)), VIII and this Part and section 53, none of the bodies referred to in Schedule 5 shall be regarded as performing functions on behalf of the Crown and accordingly employment by any such body shall not be Crown employment within the meaning of this section.]

(6) For the purposes of the application of the provisions of this Act in relation to employment by any such body as is referred to in subsection (5), any reference to redundancy shall be construed as a reference to the existence of such circumstances as, in accordance with any arrangements for the time being in force as mentioned in section 111(3), are treated as equivalent to redundancy in relation to such employment.

(7) For the purposes of the application of the provisions of this Act in relation to Crown employment in accordance with subsection (1)—

(a) any reference to an employee shall be construed as a reference to a person in Crown employment;

(b) any reference to a contract of employment shall be construed as a reference to the terms of employment of a person in Crown employment;

(c) any reference to dismissal shall be construed as a reference to the termination of Crown employment;

(d) any reference to redundancy shall be construed as a reference to the existence of such circumstances as, in accordance with any arrangements for the time being in force as mentioned in section 111(3), are treated as equivalent to redundancy in relation to Crown employment;

(e) the reference in paragraph 1(5)(c) of Schedule 9 to a person’s undertaking or any undertaking in which he works shall be construed as a reference to the national interest; and

(f) any other reference to an undertaking shall be construed, in relation to a Minister of the Crown, as a reference to his functions or (as the context may require) to the department of which he is in charge and, in relation to a government department, officer or body, shall be construed as a reference to the functions of the department, officer or body or (as the context may require) to the department, officer or body.

(8) Where the terms of employment of a person in Crown employment restrict his right to take part in—

(a) certain political activities; or

(b) activities which may conflict with his official functions,

nothing in section 29 shall require him to be allowed time off work for public duties connected with any such activities.

Textual Amendments

F3 Words in s. 138(1) repealed (30.11.1993) by 1993 c. 19, ss. 49(1), 51, Sch. 7 para. 3(a), Sch.10; S.I. 1993/2503, art. 2(2), Sch.2

F4 Words repealed by Social Security Act 1986 (c. 50, SIF 113:1), s. 86(2), Sch. 11

F5 Words in s. 138(2) repealed (30.11.1993 so far as they relate to s. 138(4)(5) and otherwiseprosp.) by 1993 c. 19, ss. 51, 52, Sch.10; S.I. 1993/2503, art. 2(2), Sch.2

F6 Words repealed with saving by Armed Forces Act 1981 (c. 55, SIF 7:1), s. 28(2), Sch. 5 Pt. I

F7 Words substituted by Reserve Forces Act 1980 (c. 9, SIF 7:2), Sch. 9 para. 17

F8 Words in s. 138(4) substituted (30.11.1993 for specified purposes and otherwise 10.6.1994) by 1993 c. 19, s. 49(1), Sch. 7 para. 3; S.I. 1993/2503, art. 2(2), Sch. 2; S.I. 1994/1365, art. 2, Sch.

F9 S. 138(5) repealed (1.4.1991) by National Health and Community Care Act 1990 (c. 19, SIF 113:2), s. 66(2), Sch. 10

Marginal Citations

M3 1980 c. 9.

[F10 138A Application of Act to armed forces. E+W+S

(1) The provisions of this Act which apply, by virtue of section 138, to service as a member of the naval, military or air forces of the Crown are—

• Part I;

• in Part II, sections 19 to 22 and 31A;

• Part III;

• in Part IV, section 53;

• Part V, except sections 57A and 80;

• Part VIII; and

• this Part.

(2) Her Majesty may, by Order in Council,—

(a) amend subsection (1) above by making additions to, or omissions from, the provisions for the time being specified in that subsection by an Order under this subsection; and

(b) make any provision apply to service as a member of the naval, military or air forces of the Crown subject to such exceptions and modifications as may be specified in the Order.

(3) Subject to subsection (5) below, modifications made under subsection (2) above may include provision precluding the making of a complaint or reference to any industrial tribunal unless the person aggrieved has availed himself of the service procedures for the redress of complaints applicable to him.

(4) Where modifications include the provision authorised by subsection (3) above the Order in Council shall also include provision designed to secure that the service procedures for the redress of complaints result in a determination, or what is to be treated under the Order as a determination, in sufficient time to enable a complaint or reference to be made to an industrial tribunal.

(5) No provision shall be made by virtue of subsection (3) above which has the effect of substituting, for any period specified as the normal period for a complaint or reference on any matter to an industrial tribunal, a period longer than six months.

(6) No recommendation shall be made to Her Majesty to make an Order in Council under subsection (2) above unless a draft of the Order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.

(7) In this section—

• “the normal period for a complaint or reference”, in relation to any matter within the jurisdiction of an industrial tribunal, means the period specified in the relevant enactment as the period within which the complaint or reference must be made, disregarding any provision permitting an extension of that period at the discretion of the tribunal; and

• “the service procedures for the redress of complaints” means the procedures, excluding those which relate to the making of a report on a complaint to Her Majesty, referred to in sections 180 and 181 of the M4 Army Act 1955, sections 180 and 181 of the M5 Air Force Act 1955 and section 130 of the M6 Naval Discipline Act 1957.]

Textual Amendments

F10 S. 138A inserted (10.6.1994) by 1993 c. 19, s. 31(2); S.I. 1994/1365, art. 2, Sch.

Marginal Citations

M4 1955 c. 18.

M5 1955 c. 19.

M6 1957 c. 53.

House of Commons staff U.K.

139 Provisions as to House of Commons staff. E+W+S

(1) The provisions of Parts I F11 . . ., II, III F12 , V and VIII, and this Part and section 53 shall apply to relevant members of House of Commons staff as they apply to persons in Crown employment within the meaning of section 138 and accordingly for the purposes of the application of those provisions in relation to any such members—

(a) any reference to an employee shall be construed as a reference to any such member;

(b) any reference to a contract of employment shall be construed as including a reference to the terms of employment of any such member;

(c) any reference to dismissal shall be construed as including a reference to the termination of any such member’s employment;

(d) the reference in paragraph 1(5)(c) of Schedule 9 to a person’s undertaking or any undertaking in which he works shall be construed as a reference to the national interest or, if the case so requires, the interests of the House of Commons; and

(e) any other reference to an undertaking shall be construed as a reference to the House of Commons.

(2) Nothing in any rule of law or the law or practice of Parliament shall prevent a relevant member of the House of Commons staff from bringing a civil employment claim before the court or from bringing before an industrial tribunal proceedings of any description which could be brought before such a tribunal by any person who is not such a member.

(3) In this section—

• “relevant member of the House of Commons staff” means—

(a) any person appointed by the House of Commons Commission (in this section referred to as the Commission) or employed in the refreshment department; and

(b) any member of Mr. Speaker’s personal staff;

• “civil employment claim” means a claim arising out of or relating to a contract of employment or any other contract connected with employment, or a claim in tort arising in connection with a person’s employment; and

• “the court” means the High Court or the county court.

(4) It is hereby declared that for the purposes of the enactments applied by subsection (1) and of Part VI (where applicable to relevant members of House of Commons staff) and for the purposes of any civil employment claim—

(a) the Commission is the employer of staff appointed by the Commission; and

(b) Mr. Speaker is the employer of his personal staff and of any person employed in the refreshment department and not falling within paragraph (a);

but the foregoing provision shall have effect subject to subsection (5).

(5) The Commission or, as the case may be, Mr. Speaker may designate for all or any of the purposes mentioned in subsection (4)—

(a) any description of staff other than Mr. Speaker’s personal staff; and

(b) in relation to staff so designated, any person;

and where a person is so designated he, instead of the Commission or Mr. Speaker, shall be deemed for the purposes to which the designation relates to be the employer of the persons in relation to whom he is so designated.

(6) Where any proceedings are brought by virtue of this section against the Commission or Mr. Speaker or any person designated under subsection (5), the person against whom the proceedings are brought may apply to the court or the industrial tribunal, as the case may be, to have some other person against whom the proceedings could at the time of the application be properly brought substituted for him as a party to those proceedings.

(7) For the purposes mentioned in subsection (4) a person’s employment in or for the purposes of the House of Commons shall not, provided he continues to be employed in such employment, be treated as terminated by reason only of a change (whether effected before or after the passing of the M7 House of Commons (Administration) Act 1978, and whether effected by virtue of that Act or otherwise) in his employer and (provided he so continues) his first appointment to such employment shall be deemed after the change to have been made by his employer for the time being, and accordingly—

(a) he shall be treated for the purposes so mentioned as being continuously employed by that employer from the commencement of such employment until its termination; and

(b) anything done by or in relation to his employer for the time being in respect of such employment before the change shall be so treated as having been done by or in relation to the person who is his employer for the time being after the change.

(8) In subsection (7) “employer for the time being", in relation to a person who has ceased to be employed in or for the purposes of the House of Commons, means the person who was his employer immediately before he ceased to be so employed, except that where some other person would have been his employer for the time being if he had not ceased to be so employed, it means that other person.

(9) If the House of Commons resolves at any time that any provision of subsections (3) to (6) should be amended in its application to any member of the staff of that House, Her Majesty may by Order in Council amend that provision accordingly.

Textual Amendments

F11 Words in s. 139(1) repealed (30.11.1993) by 1993 c. 19, ss. 49(1), 51, Sch. 7 para. 4, Sch.10; S.I. 1993/2503, art. 2(2), Sch.2

F12 Words repealed by Social Security Act 1986 (c. 50, SIF 113:1), s. 86(2), Sch. 11

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 S. 139(4)-(9) applied (with modifications) (16.10.1992) by Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (c. 65), s. 85A(2) (as inserted by Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52), ss. 278(6), 300(2), 302, Sch. 2 para. 6).

S. 139(4)-(9) applied (with modifications) (16.10.1992) by Race Discrimination Act 1976 (c. 74), s. 75A(2) (as inserted by Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52), ss. 278(6), 300(2), 302, Sch. 2 para. 7).

Marginal Citations

M7 1978 c. 36.

[F13 House of Lords staff] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F13 S. 139A and cross heading inserted (30.11.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 49(1), Sch. 7 para.11; S.I. 1993/2503, art. 2(2), Sch.2

139A F14 Provisions as to House of Lords staff. E+W+S

(1) The provisions of Parts I, II, III, V and VIII, and this Part and section 53 shall apply in relation to employment as a relevant member of the House of Lords staff as they apply to other employment.

(2) Nothing in any rule of law or the law or practice of Parliament shall prevent a relevant member of the House of Lords staff from bringing a civil employment claim before the court or from bringing before an industrial tribunal proceedings of any description which could be brought before such a tribunal by a person who is not such a member.

(3) For the purposes of the application of the enactments applied by subsection (1) in relation to a relevant member of the House of Lords staff—

(a) the reference in paragraph 1(5)(c) of Schedule 9 to a person’s undertaking or any undertaking in which he works shall be construed as a reference to the national interest or, if the case so requires, the interests of the House of Lords; and

(b) any other reference to an undertaking shall be construed as a reference to the House of Lords.

(4) Where the terms of his contract of employment restrict the right of a relevant member of the House of Lords staff to take part in—

(a) certain political activities, or

(b) activities which may conflict with his official functions,

nothing in section 29 shall require him to be allowed time off work for public duties connected with any such activities.

(5) In this section—

• “relevant member of the House of Lords staff” means any person who is employed under a contract of employment with the Corporate Officer of the House of Lords;

• “civil employment claim” means a claim arising out of or relating to a contract of employment or any other contract connected with employment, or a claim in tort arising in connection with a person’s employment; and

• “the court” means the High Court or the county court.

(6) For the purposes of the application of the enactments applied by subsection (1) and of any civil employment claim in relation to a person continuously employed in or for the purposes of the House of Lords up to the time when he became so employed under a contract of employment with the Corporate Officer of the House of Lords, his employment shall not be treated as having been terminated by reason only of a change in his employer before or at that time.

Textual Amendments

F14 S. 139A inserted (30.11.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 49(1), Sch. 7 para.11; S.I. 1993/2503, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

Contracting out of provisions of Act U.K.

140 Restrictions on contracting out. E+W+S

(1) Except as provided by the following provisions of this section, any provision in an agreement (whether a contract of employment or not) shall be void in so far as it purports—

(a) to exclude or limit the operation of any provision of this Act; or

(b) to preclude any person from presenting a complaint to, or bringing any proceedings under this Act before, an industrial tribunal.

(2) Subsection (1) shall not apply—

(a) to any provision in a collective agreement excluding rights under section 12 if an order under section 18 is for the time being in force in respect of it;

(b)

F15 (c) to any provision in a dismissal procedures agreement excluding rights under section 54 if that provision is not to have effect unless an order under section 65 is for the time being in force in respect of it;

(d) to any agreement to refrain from presenting a complaint under section 67, where in compliance with a request under section 134(3) a conciliation officer has taken action in accordance with that subsection;

(e) to any agreement to refrain from proceeding with a complaint presented under section 67 where a conciliation officer has taken action in accordance with section 134(1) and (2);

(f) to any provision in an agreement if an order under section 96 is for the time being in force in respect of it;

[F16 (fa) to any agreement to refrain from instituting or continuing any proceedings before an industrial tribunal where the tribunal has jurisdiction in respect of the proceedings by virtue of an order under section 131;]

[F17 (fb) to any agreement to refrain from instituting or continuing any proceedings specified in section 133(1) (except (c)) or 134(1) before an industrial tribunal if the conditions regulating compromise agreements under this Act are satisfied in relation to the agree ment.]

(g) to any agreement to refrain from instituting or continuing any proceedings before an industrial tribunal where a conciliation officer has taken action in accordance with section 133(2) or (3);

(h) to any provision of an agreement relating to dismissal from employment such as is mentioned in section 142(1) or (2).

[F18 (3) The conditions regulating compromise agreements under this Act are that—

(a) the agreement must be in writing;

(b) the agreement must relate to the particular complaint;

(c) the employee must have received independent legal advice from a qualified lawyer as to the terms and effect of the proposed agreement and in particular its effect on his ability to pursue his rights before an industrial tribunal;

(d) there must be in force, when the adviser gives the advice, a policy of insurance covering the risk of a claim by the employee in respect of loss arising in consequence of the advice;

(e) the agreement must identify the adviser; and

(f) the agreement must state that the conditions regulating compromise agreements under this Act are satisfied.

(4) In subsection (3)—

• “independent”, in relation to legal advice to the employee, means that it is given by a lawyer who is not acting in the matter for the employer or an associated employer; and

• “qualified lawyer” means—

(a) as respects proceedings in England and Wales—

(i) a barrister, whether in practice as such or employed to give legal advice, or

(ii) a solicitor of the Supreme Court who holds a practising certificate;

(b) as respects proceedings in Scotland—

(i) an advocate, whether in practice as such or employed to give legal advice, or

(ii) a solicitor who holds a practising certificate.]

Textual Amendments

F15 S. 140(2)(b) repealed by Employment Act 1980 (c. 42, SIF 43:5), Sch. 2

F16 S. 140(2)(fa) inserted (30.8.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 49(2), Sch. 8 para.21; S.I. 1993/1908, art. 2(1), Sch.1

F17 S. 140(2)(fb) inserted (30.8.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 39(1)(a); S.I. 1993/1908, art. 2(1), Sch.1

F18 S. 140(3)(4) inserted (30.8.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 39(1)(b); S.I. 1993/1908, art. 2(1), Sch.1

Excluded classes of employment U.K.

141 Employment outside Great Britain. E+W+S

(1) Sections 1 to 4 and 49 to 51 do not apply in relation to employment during any period when the employee is engaged in work wholly or mainly outside Great Britain[F19 unless—

(a) the employee ordinarily works in Great Britain and the work outside Great Britain is for the same employer, or

(b) the law which governs his contract of employment is the law of England and Wales or of Scotland.]

(2) Sections 8 and 53 and Parts II, III, [F20 and V] do not apply to employment where under his contract of employment the employee ordinarily works outside Great Britain.

[F21 (2)(A) Part VII does not apply to employment where under his contract of employment the employee ordinarily works outside the territory of the Member States of the European Communities [F22 and of Austria, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden].]

(3) An employee shall not be entitled to a redundancy payment if on the relevant date he is outside Great Britain, unless under his contract of employment he ordinarily worked in Great Britain.

(4) An employee who under his contract of employment ordinarily works outside Great Britain shall not be entitled to a redundancy payment unless on the relevant date he is in Great Britain in accordance with instruction given to him by his employer.

(5) For the purpose of subsection (2), a person employed to work on board a ship registered in the United Kingdom (not being a ship registered at a port outside Great Britain) shall, unless—

(a) the employment is wholly outside Great Britain, or

(b) he is not ordinarily resident in Great Britain,

be regarded as a person who under his contract ordinarily works in Great Britain.

Textual Amendments

F19 Words in s. 141(1) substituted (30.11.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 49(2), Sch. 8 para. 22; S.I. 1993/2503, art. 2(2), Sch. 2.

F20 Words “and V" substituted for words “V and VII" by S.I. 1983/624, regs. 2-4 where “the relevant date" (within the meaning of s. 122(2) of the Act) falls on or after 1.6.1983

F21 S. 141(2)(A) inserted by S.I. 1983/624, regs. 2-4 where “the relevant date" (within the meaning of s. 122(2) of the Act) falls on or after 1.6.1983

F22 Words in s. 141(2A) inserted (9.3.1995) by S.I. 1995/278, art. 3

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 S. 141(2) extended (E.W.) (26.8.1994) by 1994 c. 20, s. 4, Sch. 4 para. 22; S.I. 1994/1841, art. 2

S. 141(2) extended (E.W.) (3.1.1995) by 1994 c. 40, ss. 31, 82(2), Sch. 8 para. 22

S. 141(2) extended (prosp.) by 1995 c. 26, ss. 46(4)(b), 180(1) (with s. 121(5))

142 Contracts for a fixed term. E+W+S

(1) Section 54 does not apply to dismissal from employment under a contract for a fixed term of [F23 one year] or more, where the dismissal consists only of the expiry of that term without its being renewed, if before the term so expires the employee has agreed in writing to exclude any claim in respect of rights under that section in relation to that contract.

(2) An employee employed under a contract of employment for a fixed term of two years or more entered into after 5th December 1965 shall not be entitled to a redundancy payment in respect of the expiry of that term without its being renewed (whether by the employer or by an associated employer of his), if before the term so expires he has agreed in writing to exclude any right to a redundancy payment in that event.

(3) Such an agreement as is mentioned in subsection (1) or (2) may be contained either in the contract itself or in a separate agreement.

(4) Where an agreement under subsection (2) is made during the currency of a fixed term, and that term is renewed, the agreement under that subsection shall not be construed as applying to the term as renewed, but without prejudice to the making of a further agreement under that subsection in relation to the term so renewed.

Textual Amendments

F23 Words substituted with saving by Employment Act 1980 (c. 42, SIF 43:5), s. 8(2) and S.I. 1980/1170, art. 4, Sch. 3

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 S. 142 restricted (E.W.) (26.8.1994) by 1994 c. 20, s. 4, Sch. 4 para. 7(4); S.I. 1994/1841, art. 2

S. 142 restricted (E.W.) (3.1.1995) by 1994 c. 40, ss. 20, 82(2), Sch. 8 para. 7(4)

F24 143 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F24 S. 143 repealed by Employment Act 1982 (c. 46, SIF 43:5), Sch. 4

144 Mariners. E+W+S

[F25 (1) Sections 1 to 4 and 49 to 51 do not apply to a person employed as a seaman in a ship registered in the United Kingdom under a crew agreement the provisions and form of which are of a kind approved by the Secretary of State.]

(2) Sections 8 and 53 and Parts II, III and V to VII do not apply to employment as master or as a member of the crew of a fishing vessel where the employee is remunerated only by a share in the profits or gross earnings of the vessel.

(3) Section 141(3) and (4) do not apply to an employee, and section 142(2) does not apply to a contract of employment, if the employee is employed as a master or seaman in a British ship and is ordinarily resident in Great Britain.

(4) Sections 8, 29, 31, 122 F26 . . . do not apply to employment as a merchant seaman.

(5) Employment as a merchant seaman does not include employment in the fishing industry or employment on board a ship otherwise than by the owner, manager or charterer of that ship except employment as a radio officer, but, save as aforesaid, it includes employment as master or a member of the crew of any ship and as a trainee undergoing training for the sea service, and employment in or about a ship in port by the owner, manager or charterer of the ship to do work of the kind ordinarily done by a merchant seaman on a ship while it is in port.

Textual Amendments

F25 S. 144(1) substituted (30.11.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 49(2), Sch. 8 para. 23; 1993/2503, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

F26 Words in s. 144(4) repealed (7.2.1994) by 1993 c. 48, s. 188, Sch. 5 Pt.I; S.I. 1994/86, art. 2

F27 145 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E+W+S

Textual Amendments

F27 S. 145 repealed by Dock Work Act 1989 (c. 13, SIF 43:5), s. 7(1), Sch. 1 Pt. I

146 Miscellaneous classes of employment. E+W+S

F28 (1)

(2) Parts II, III, [F29 and V] and sections 8, 9, 53 and 86 do not apply to employment under a contract of employment in police service or to persons engaged in such employment.

(3) In subsection (2), “police service” means service—

(a) as a member of any constabulary maintained by virtue of any enactment, or

(b) in any other capacity by virtue of which a person has the powers of privileges of a constable.

F30 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F30 (4A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F30 (4B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F30 (4C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F30 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F30 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F30 (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F30 (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F28 S. 146(1) repealed by Employment Act 1982 (c. 46, SIF 43:5), Sch. 4 with saving in S.I. 1982/1656, Sch. 2

F29 Words “and V" substituted for words “V and VII" by S.I. 1983/624, regs. 2-4 where “the relevant date" (within the meaning of s. 122(2) of the Act) falls on or after 1.6.1983

F30 S. 146(4)-(8) repealed (6.2.1995) by S.I. 1995/31, regs. 3, 6, Sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8 S. 146 modified (E.W.) by National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 (c. 19, SIF 113:2), s. 7(2)(d)

C9 S. 146 modified by National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (c. 29, SIF 123:2), s. 12C (as added by National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990 (c. 19, SIF 113:2), s. 31)

[F31 146A National Security. E+W+S

(1) Where in the opinion of any Minister of the Crown the disclosure of any information would be contrary to the interests of national security—

(a) nothing in any of the provisions to which this section applies shall require any person to disclose the information, and

(b) no person shall disclose the information in any proceedings in any court or tribunal relating to any of those provisions.

(2) This section applies to—

(a) Part I so far as it relates to employment particulars,

(b) sections 22A to 22C and section 31A,

(c) Part III,

(d) section 53(2A),

(e) Part V so far as relating to a dismissal which is regarded as unfair by reason of section 57A, 59(1)(a) or 60, and

(f) Part VIII and this Part so far as relating to any of the provisions in paragraphs (a) to (e).]

Textual Amendments

F31 S. 146A inserted (30.11.1993 for specified purposes and otherwise 10.6.1994) by 1993 c. 19, ss. 49(1), 52, Sch. 7 para.5; S.I. 1993/2503, art. 2(2), Sch.2; S.I. 1994/1365, art. 2, Sch.

F32 147 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F32 S. 147 repealed by Employment Act 1982 (c. 46, SIF 43:5), Sch. 4

Supplementary provisions U.K.

148 Review of limits. E+W+S

(1) The Secretary of State shall in each calendar year review—

(a) the limits referred to in section 15;

(b) the limit referred to in section 122(5); and

(c) the limits imposed by paragraph 8(1) of Schedule 14 on the amount of a week’s pay for the purposes of those provisions;

and shall determine whether any of those limits should be varied.

(2) In making a review under this section the Secretary of State shall consider—

(a) the general level of earnings obtaining in Great Britain at the time of the review;

(b) the national economic situation as a whole; and

(c) such other matters as he thinks relevant.

(3) If on a review under this section the Secretary of State determines that, having regard to the considerations mentioned in subsection (2), any of those limits should be varied, he shall prepare and lay before each House of Parliament the draft of an order giving effect to his decision.

(4) Where a draft of an order under this section is approved by resolution of each House of Parliament the Secretary of State shall make an order in the form of the draft.

(5) If, following the completion of an annual review under this section, the Secretary of State determines that any of the limits referred to in subsection (1) shall not be varied, he shall lay before each House of Parliament a report containing a statement of his reasons for that determination.

(6) The Secretary of State may at any time, in addition to the annual review provided for in subsection (1), conduct a further review of the limits mentioned in subsection (1) so as to determine whether any of those limits should be varied, and subsections (2) to (4) shall apply to such a review as if it were a review under subsection (1).

149 General power to amend Act. E+W+S

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this section, the Secretary of State may by order—

(a) provide that any enactment contained in this Act which is specified in the order shall not apply to persons or to employments of such classes as may be prescribed in the order;

(b) provide that any such enactment shall apply to persons or employments of such classes as may be prescribed in the order subject, except in relation to section 54 (but without prejudice to paragraph (a)), to such exceptions and modifications as may be so prescribed;

(c) vary, or exclude the operation of, any of the following provisions of this Act, that is to say, sections [F33 13(2), 20(2), 49(4A),][F34 53(2),] 64(1), F35 . . . 99, 141(2) and (5) F36 144(1), (2), (4) and (5), F37 and F38 . . . F36 F38 . . .;

[F39 (d) add to, vary or delete any of the provisions of Schedule 5.]

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the following provisions of this Act, namely, sections F36 , 52, 55, 57, [F40 57A,]. . . 59, 62, 63, 65, 66, 67, [F40 73(6C) and (6D),][F41 F42 . . .75 [F40 75A(7) and (8),]. . .], 80, 103 to 120, 128, 134, 141(1) [F43 , 142(1) and 151] and Schedules 3, 9 and 13, and, in addition, paragraph (b) of subsection (1) does not apply to sections 1 to 6 and 49 to 51 F44

[F45 (2A) The Secretary of State may by order provide that, subject to any such modifications and exceptions as may be prescribed in the order, sections 22A to 22C (and any other provisions of this Act so far as relating to those sections) shall apply to such descriptions of persons other than employees as may be prescribed in the order as they apply to employees (but as if references to their employer were references to such person as may be so prescribed).]

(3) The provisions of this section are without prejudice to any other power of the Secretary of State to amend, vary or repeal any provision of this Act or to extend or restrict its operation in relation to any person or employment.

(4) No order under [F46 this section, other than one to which subsection (5) applies,] shall be made unless a draft of the order has been laid before Parliament and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.

[F47 (5) This subsection applies to an order under subsection (1)(b) which specifies only provisions contained in Part VI.]

Textual Amendments

F33 Words inserted with saving by Employment Act 1982 (c. 46, SIF 43:5), s. 20, Sch. 2 para. 9(1)(a)

F34 “53(2)," inserted by Employment Act 1989 (c. 38, SIF 43:1), ss. 15(2), 29(6), Sch. 9 para. 4

F35 Words in s. 149(1)(c) (which were inserted by Employment Act 1980 (c. 42, SIF 43:5), Sch. 1 para. 21) repealed (30.8.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 51, Sch. 10; S.I. 1993/1908, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F36 Word repealed by Employment Act 1982 (c. 46, SIF 43:5), Sch. 4

F37 “145(1), (2) and (3)" repealed by Dock Work Act 1989 (c. 13, SIF 43:1), s. 7(1), Sch. 1 Pt. I

F38 Words in s. 149(1)(c) repealed (6.2.1995) by S.I. 1995/31, reg. 6, Sch.

F39 S. 149(1)(d) repealed (1.4.1991) by National Health and Community Care Act 1990 (c. 19, SIF 113:2), s. 66(2), Sch. 10

F40 Words in s. 149(2) inserted (30.8.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 49(2), Sch. 8 para. 24; S.I. 1993/1908, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F41 Words substituted by Employment Act 1982 (c. 46, SIF 43:5), Sch. 3 para. 25

F42 Words in s. 149(2) repealed (16.10.1992) by Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52), ss. 300(1), 302, Sch. 1 (with savings in Sch. 3 para. 2).

F43 Words substituted with saving by Employment Act 1982 (c. 46, SIF 43:5), s. 20, Sch. 2 para. 9(1)(b)

F44 Word repealed by Employment Act 1982 (c. 46, SIF 43:5), Sch. 4

F45 S. 149(2A) inserted (30.8.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 49(1), Sch. 7 para. 13; S.I. 1993/1908, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F46 Words in s. 149(4) substituted (30.8.1993) by virtue of 1993 c. 19, s. 49(1), Sch. 7 para. 16(a); S.I. 1993/1908, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

F47 S. 149(5) inserted (30.8.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 49(1), Sch. 7 para. 16(b); S.I. 1993/1908, art. 2(1), Sch. 1

150 Death of employee or employer. E+W+S

Schedule 12 shall have effect for the purpose of supplementing and modifying the provisions of Part I (so far as it relates to itemised pay statements), section 53 and Parts II, III, and V to VII as respects the death of an employee or employer.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C10 S. 150 extended (E.W.) (26.8.1994) by 1994 c. 20, s. 4, Sch. 4 para. 22; S.I. 1994/1841, art. 2

S. 150 extended (E.W.) (3.1.1995) by 1994 c. 40, ss. 20, 82(2)(c), Sch. 8 para. 22

S. 150 extended (prosp.) by 1995 c. 26, ss. 46(4)(c), 180(1) (with s. 121(5))

[F48 F49 151 Computation of period of continuous employment. E+W+S

(1) References in any provision of this Act to a period of continuous employment are, except where provision is expressly made to the contrary, to a period computed in accordance with the provisions of this section and Schedule 13; and in any such provision which refers to a period of continuous employment expressed in months or years a month means a calendar month and a year means a year of twelve calendar months.

(2) In computing an employee’s period of continuous employment any question arising as to—

(a) whether the employee’s employment is of a kind counting towards a period of continuous employment, or

(b) whether periods (consecutive or otherwise) are to be treated as forming a single period of continuous employment,

shall be determined in accordance with Schedule 13 (that is to say, week by week), but the length of an employee’s period of employment shall be computed in months and years of twelve months in accordance with the following rules.

(3) Subject to the following provisions of this section, an employee’s period of continuous employment for the purposes of any provision of this Act begins with the day on which he starts work and ends with the day by reference to which the length of his period of continuous employment falls to be ascertained for the purposes of the provision in question.

(4) For the purposes of section 81 and Schedule 4 an employee’s period of continuous employment shall be treated as beginning on his eighteenth birthday if that date is later than the starting date referred to in subsection (3).

(5) If an employee’s period of continuous employment includes one or more periods which, by virtue of any provision of Schedule 13, do not count in computing the length of the period but do not break continuity, the beginning of the period shall be treated as postponed by the number of days falling within that intervening period or, as the case may be, by the aggregate number of days falling within those periods.

(6) The number of days falling within such an intervening period is—

(a) in the case of a period to which paragraph 14(3) of Schedule 13 applies, seven days for each week within that sub-paragraph;

(b) in the case of a period to which paragraph 15(2) or (4) of that Schedule applies, the number of days between the last working day before the strike or lock-out and the day on which work was resumed;

(c) in the case of a period to which paragraph 16(1) of that Schedule applies, the number of days between the employee’s last day of employment before service under Part I of the M8 National Service Act 1948 and the day on which he resumed employment in accordance with Part II of that Act.]

Textual Amendments

F48 S. 151 substituted with saving by Employment Act 1982 (c. 46, SIF 43:5), s. 20, Sch. 2 para. 7(1)

F49 S. 151 applied by Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52), ss. 281(5), 302.

S. 151 applied by Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52), ss. 282(2), 302.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C11 S. 151 extended by Employment Protection Act 1975 (c. 71, SIF 43:1), s. 119(7) (as amended with saving by Employment Act 1982 (c. 46, SIF 43:5), s. 20, Sch. 2 para. 6(1)

C12 S. 151(1)(2) applied (with modifications) (E.W.) (26.8.1994) by 1994 c. 20, s. 4, Sch. 4 para. 1(4)(5); S.I. 1994/1841, art. 2

S. 151(1)(2) applied (with modifications) (E.W.) (3.1.1995) by 1994 c. 40, ss. 20, 82(2), Sch. 8 para. 1(2)

Marginal Citations

M8 1948 c. 64.

152 Calculation of normal working hours and a week’s pay. E+W+S

Schedule 14 shall have effect for the purposes of this Act for calculating the normal working hours and the amount of a week’s pay of any employee.

153 Interpretation. E+W+S

(1) In this Act, except so far as the context otherwise requires—

• “act” and “action” each includes omission and references to doing an act or taking action shall be construed accordingly;

• “business” includes a trade or profession and includes any activity carried on by a body of persons, whether corporate or unincorporate;

• [F50 “childbirth” means the birth of a living child or the birth of a child whether living or dead after twenty-four weeks of pregnancy;]

• “collective agreement” has the meaning given by [F51 section 178(1) and (2) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992];

• F52 . . .

• “contract of employment” means a contract of service or apprenticeship, whether express or implied, and (if it is express) whether it is oral or in writing;

• “dismissal procedures agreement” means an agreement in writing with respect to procedures relating to dismissal made by or on behalf of one or more independent trade unions and one or more employers or employers’ associations;

• “effective date of termination” has the meaning given by section 55(4) [F53 to (6)];

• “employee” means an individual who has entered into or works under (or, where the employment has ceased, worked under) a contract of employment;

• “employer”, in relation to an employee, means the person by whom the employee is (or, in a case where the employment has ceased, was) employed;

• “employers’ association” has the same meaning as it has for the purposes of [F51 the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992];

• [F54 “employer’s payment” has the meaning given by section 106(1A) and (1B);]

• “employment”, except for the purposes of sections 111 to 115, means employment under a contract of employment;

• [F55 “expected week of childbirth” means the week, beginning with midnight between Saturday and Sunday, in which it is expected that childbirth will occur;]

• “government department”, except in section 138 and paragraph 19 of Schedule 13, includes a Minister of the Crown;

• “guarantee payment” has the meaning given by section 12(1);

• F56 “independent trade union” means a trade union which—

(a) is not under the domination or control of an employer or a group of employers or of one or more employers’ associations; and

(b) is not liable to interference by an employer or any such group or association (arising out of the provision of financial or material support or by any other means whatsoever) tending towards such control; and, in relation to a trade union, “independent” and “independence” shall be construed accordingly;

• “job”, in relation to an employee, means the nature of the work which he is employed to do in accordance with his contract and the capacity and place in which he is so employed;

• [F57 “maternity leave period” shall be construed in accordance with sections 34 and 35;]

• F58 F58 “notice of intention to claim” has the meaning given by section 88;

• “notified day of return” [F59 shall be construed in accordance with section 43(3) and (4)];

• [F60 “notified leave date” shall be construed in accordance with section 36;]

• “official”, in relation to a trade union, has [F51 the same meaning as in the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992];

F61 . . .

• “position”, in relation to an employee, means the following matters taken as a whole, that is to say, his status as an employee, the nature of his work and his terms and conditions of employment;

• F62 “redundancy payment” has the meaning given by section 81(1);

• F63 “relevant date”, for the purposes of the provisions of this Act which relate to redundancy payments, has the meaning given by section 90;

• “renewal” includes extension, and any reference to renewing a contract or a fixed term shall be construed accordingly;

• “statutory provision” means a provision, whether of a general or a special nature, contained in, or in any document made or issued under, any Act, whether of a general or special nature;

• [F64 “successor”, in relation to the employer of an employee, means (subject to subsection (4A) below) a person who in consequence of a change occurring (whether by virtue of a sale or other disposition or by operation of law) in the ownership of the undertaking or of part of the undertaking for the purposes of which the employee was employed, has become the owner of the undertaking or of that part of it, as the case may be;]

• “trade dispute” has the meaning given by [F51 section 244 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992];

• “trade union” has the meaning given by [F51 section 1 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992];

• F65 “week” means, in relation to an employee whose remuneration is calculated weekly by a week ending with a day other than Saturday, a week ending with that other day, and in relation to any other employee, a week ending with Saturday.

(2) References in this Act to dismissal by reason of redundancy, and to cognate expressions, shall be construed in accordance with section 81.

F66 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) For the purposes of this Act, any two employers are to be treated as associated if one is a company of which the other (directly or indirectly) has control, or if both are companies of which a third person (directly or indirectly) has control; and the expression “associated employer" shall be construed accordingly.

[F67 (4A) The definition of “successor” in subsection (1) above has effect (subject to the necessary modifications) in relation to a case where—

(a) the person by whom an undertaking or part of an undertaking is owned immediately before a change is one of the persons by whom (whether as partners, trustees or otherwise) it is owned immediately after the change, or

(b) the persons by whom an undertaking or part of an undertaking is owned immediately before a change (whether as partners, trustees or otherwise) include the persons by whom, or include one or more of the persons by whom, it is owned immediately after the change,

as it has effect where the previous owner and the new owner are wholly different persons.]

(5) [F68 Subject to section 141(1)(b), for] the purposes of this Act it is immaterial whether the law which (apart from this Act) governs any person’s employment is the law of the United Kingdom, or of a part of the United Kingdom, or not.

(6) In this Act, except where otherwise indicated—

(a) a reference to a numbered Part, section or Schedule is a reference to the Part or section of, or the Schedule to, this Act so numbered, and

(b) a reference in a section to a numbered subsection is a reference to the subsection of that section so numbered, and

(c) a reference in a section, subsection or Schedule to a numbered paragraph is a reference to the paragraph of that section, subsection or Schedule so numbered, and

(d) a reference to any provision of an Act (including this Act) includes a Schedule incorporated in the Act by that provision.

(7) Except so far as the context otherwise requires, any reference in this Act to an enactment shall be construed as a reference to that enactment as amended or extended by or under any other enactment, including this Act.

Textual Amendments

F50 Definition of 'childbirth' in s. 153(1) inserted (10.6.1994) by 1993 c. 19, s. 49(2), Sch. 8 para. 25(a)(i); S.I. 1994/1365, art. 2, Sch.

F51 Words in s. 153(1) substituted (16.10.1992) by Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52), ss. 300(2), 302, Sch. 2 para. 21(2)(a)(b)(c)(e)(f).

F52 Definition of 'confinement' repealed (10.6.1994) by 1993 c. 19, s. 51, Sch.10; S.I. 1994/1365, art. 2, Sch.

F53 Words substituted by Employment Act 1982 (c. 46, SIF 43:5), Sch. 3 para. 26

F54 Definition substituted by Employment Act 1989 (c. 38, SIF 43:1), s. 29(3)(6), Sch. 6 para. 24, Sch. 9 para. 4(1)

F55 Definition of 'expected week of childbirth' in s. 153(1) substituted (10.6.1994) for definition of 'expected week of confinement' by virtue of 1993 c. 19, s. 49(2), 51, Sch. 8 para. 25(a)(ii), Sch. 10; S.I. 1994/1365, art. 2, Sch.

F56 Definition of “inadmissible reason" repealed by Employment Act 1982 (c. 46, SIF 43:5), Sch. 4 with saving in S.I. 1982/1656, Sch. 2

F57 Definition of 'maternity leave period' in s. 153(1) inserted (10.6.1994) by 1993 c. 19, s. 49(2), Sch. 8 para. 25(a)(iii); S.I. 1994/1365, art. 2, Sch.

F58 Definitions repealed by Social Security Act 1986 (c. 50, SIF 113:1), s. 86(2), Sch. 11

F59 Words in definition of 'notified day of return' in s. 153(1) substituted (10.6.1994) by 1993 c. 19, s. 49(2), Sch. 8 para. 25(a)(iv); S.I. 1993/1365, art. 2, Sch.

F60 Definition of 'notified leave date' in s. 153(1) inserted (10.6.1994) by 1993 c. 19, s. 49(2), Sch. 8 para. 25(a)(v); S.I. 1994/1365, art. 2, Sch.

F61 Definition of 'original contract of employment' repealed (10.6.1994) by 1993 c. 19, s. 51, Sch.10; S.I. 1994/1365, art. 2, Sch.

F62 Definition repealed by Employment Act 1990 (c. 38, SIF 43:5), s. 16(2), Sch. 3

F63 Definition repealed by Employment Act 1989 (c. 38, SIF 43:1), s. 29(4), Sch. 7 Pt. II

F64 Definition in s. 153(1) substituted (16.10.1992) by Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52), ss. 300(2), 302, Sch. 2 para. 21(2)(d)

F65 Words repealed by Employment Act 1988 (c. 19, SIF 43:5), s. 33(2), Sch. 4

F66 S. 153(3) repealed (10.6.1994) by 1993 c. 19, s. 51, Sch.10; S.I. 1994/1365, art. 2, Sch.

F67 S. 153(4A) inserted (16.10.1992) by Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52), ss. 300(2), 302, Sch. 2 para. 21(3).

F68 Words in s. 153(5) substituted (30.11.1993) by 1993 c. 19, s. 49(2), Sch. 8 para. 25(b); S.I. 1993/2503, art. 2(2), Sch. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C13 S. 153 applied (with modifications) (E.W.) (26.8.1994) by 1994 c. 20, s. 4, Sch. 4 para. 1(4)(5); S.I. 1994/1841, art. 2

S. 153 applied (with modifications) (E.W.) (3.1.1995) by 1994 c. 40, ss. 20, 82(2), Sch. 8 para. 1(2)

S. 153 applied (prosp.) by 1995 c. 26, ss. 46(11), 180(1) (with s. 121(5))

C14 S. 153(1): definition of "employee" applied (30.11.1991) by Coal Mining Subsidence Act 1991 (c. 45, SIF 86), s. 30 (7); S.I. 1991/2508, art. 2.

C15 S. 153(4): definition of "associated employer" applied (30. 11. 1991) by Coal Mining Subsidence Act 1991 (c.45, SIF 86), s. 30(7); S.I. 1919/2508, art. 2.

153 Interpretation. E+W+S

(1) In this Act, except so far as the context otherwise requires—

• “act” and “action” each includes omission and references to doing an act or taking action shall be construed accordingly;

• “business” includes a trade or profession and includes any activity carried on by a body of persons, whether corporate or unincorporate;

• F79 “collective agreement” has the meaning given by [F80 section 178(1) and (2) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992];

• “confinement” means the birth of a living child or the birth of a child whether living or dead after twenty-eight weeks of pregnancy;

• “contract of employment” means a contract of service or apprenticeship, whether express or implied, and (if it is express) whether it is oral or in writing;

• “dismissal procedures agreement” means an agreement in writing with respect to procedures relating to dismissal made by or on behalf of one or more independent trade unions and one or more employers or employers’ associations;

• “effective date of termination” has the meaning given by section 55(4) [F81 to (6)];

• “employee” means an individual who has entered into or works under (or, where the employment has ceased, worked under) a contract of employment;

• “employer”, in relation to an employee, means the person by whom the employee is (or, in a case where the employment has ceased, was) employed;

• “employers’ association” has the same meaning as it has for the purposes of [F80 the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992];

• [F82 “employer’s payment” has the meaning given by section 106(1A) and (1B);]

• “employment”, except for the purposes of sections 111 to 115, means employment under a contract of employment;

• “expected week of confinement” means the week, beginning with midnight between Saturday and Sunday, in which it is expected that confinement will take place;

• “government department”, except in section 138 and paragraph 19 of Schedule 13, includes a Minister of the Crown;

• “guarantee payment” has the meaning given by section 12(1);

• F83 “independent trade union” means a trade union which—

(a) is not under the domination or control of an employer or a group of employers or of one or more employers’ associations; and

(b) is not liable to interference by an employer or any such group or association (arising out of the provision of financial or material support or by any other means whatsoever) tending towards such control;

and, in relation to a trade union, “independent” and “independence” shall be construed accordingly;

• “job”, in relation to an employee, means the nature of the work which he is employed to do in accordance with his contract and the capacity and place in which he is so employed;

• F84 F84 F84 “notice of intention to claim” has the meaning given by section 88;

• “notified day of return” has the meaning given by section 47(1) and (8);

• “official”, in relation to a trade union, has [F80 the same meaning as in the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992];

• “original contract of employment”, in relation to an employee who is absent from work wholly or partly because of pregnancy or confinement, means the contract under which she worked immediately before the beginning of her absence or, if she entered into that contract during her pregnancy by virtue of section 60(2) or otherwise by reason of her pregnancy, the contract under which she was employed immediately before she entered into the later contract or, if there was more than one later contract, the first of the later contracts;

• “position”, in relation to an employee, means the following matters taken as a whole, that is to say, his status as an employee, the nature of his work and his terms and conditions of employment;

• F85 “redundancy payment” has the meaning given by section 81(1);

• F86 “relevant date”, for the purposes of the provisions of this Act which relate to redundancy payments, has the meaning given by section 90;

• “renewal” includes extension, and any reference to renewing a contract or a fixed term shall be construed accordingly;

• “statutory provision” means a provision, whether of a general or a special nature, contained in, or in any document made or issued under, any Act, whether of a general or special nature;

• [F87 “successor”, in relation to the employer of an employee, means (subject to subsection (4A) below) a person who in consequence of a change occurring (whether by virtue of a sale or other disposition or by operation of law) in the ownership of the undertaking or of part of the undertaking for the purposes of which the employee was employed, has become the owner of the undertaking or of that part of it, as the case may be;]

• “trade dispute” has the meaning given by [F80 section 244 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992];

• “trade union” has the meaning given by [F80 section 1 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992];

• F88 “week” means, in relation to an employee whose remuneration is calculated weekly by a week ending with a day other than Saturday, a week ending with that other day, and in relation to any other employee, a week ending with Saturday.

(2) References in this Act to dismissal by reason of redundancy, and to cognate expressions, shall be construed in accordance with section 81.

(3) In sections 33, 47, 56, 61 and 86 and Schedule 2, except where the context otherwise requires, “to return to work” means to return to work in accordance with section 45(1), and cognate expressions shall be construed accordingly.

(4) For the purposes of this Act, any two employers are to be treated as associated if one is a company of which the other (directly or indirectly) has control, or if both are companies of which a third person (directly or indirectly) has control; and the expression “associated employer" shall be construed accordingly.

[F89 (4A) The definition of “successor” in subsection (1) above has effect (subject to the necessary modifications) in relation to a case where—

(a) the person by whom an undertaking or part of an undertaking is owned immediately before a change is one of the persons by whom (whether as partners, trustees or otherwise) it is owned immediately after the change, or

(b) the persons by whom an undertaking or part of an undertaking is owned immediately before a change (whether as partners, trustees or otherwise) include the persons by whom, or include one or more of the persons by whom, it is owned immediately after the change,

as it has effect where the previous owner and the new owner are wholly different persons.]

(5) For the purposes of this Act it is immaterial whether the law which (apart from this Act) governs any person’s employment is the law of the United Kingdom, or of a part of the United Kingdom, or not.

(6) In this Act, except where otherwise indicated—

(a) a reference to a numbered Part, section or Schedule is a reference to the Part or section of, or the Schedule to, this Act so numbered, and

(b) a reference in a section to a numbered subsection is a reference to the subsection of that section so numbered, and

(c) a reference in a section, subsection or Schedule to a numbered paragraph is a reference to the paragraph of that section, subsection or Schedule so numbered, and

(d) a reference to any provision of an Act (including this Act) includes a Schedule incorporated in the Act by that provision.

(7) Except so far as the context otherwise requires, any reference in this Act to an enactment shall be construed as a reference to that enactment as amended or extended by or under any other enactment, including this Act.

Textual Amendments

F79 Definition repealed by Nurses, Midwives and Health Visitors Act 1979 (c. 36, SIF 83:1), Sch. 8

F80 Words in s. 153(1) substituted (16.10.1992) by Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52), ss. 300(2), 302, Sch. 2 para. 21(2)(a)(b)(c)(e)(f).

F81 Words substituted by Employment Act 1982 (c. 46, SIF 43:5), Sch. 3 para. 26

F82 Definition substituted by Employment Act 1989 (c. 38, SIF 43:1), s. 29(3)(6), Sch. 6 para. 24, Sch. 9 para. 4(1)

F83 Definition of “inadmissible reason" repealed by Employment Act 1982 (c. 46, SIF 43:5), Sch. 4 with saving in S.I. 1982/1656, Sch. 2

F84 Definitions repealed by Social Security Act 1986 (c. 50, SIF 113:1), s. 86(2), Sch. 11

F85 Definition repealed by Employment Act 1990 (c. 38, SIF 43:5), s. 16(2), Sch. 3

F86 Definition repealed by Employment Act 1989 (c. 38, SIF 43:1), s. 29(4), Sch. 7 Pt. II

F87 Definition in s. 153(1) substituted (16.10.1992) by Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52), ss. 300(2), 302, Sch. 2 para. 21(2)(d)

F88 Words repealed by Employment Act 1988 (c. 19, SIF 43:5), s. 33(2), Sch. 4

F89 S. 153(4A) inserted (16.10.1992) by Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (c. 52), ss. 300(2), 302, Sch. 2 para. 21(3).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C17 S. 153(1): definition of "employee" applied (30.11.1991) by Coal Mining Subsidence Act 1991 (c. 45, SIF 86), s. 30 (7); S.I. 1991/2508, art. 2.

C18 S. 153(4): definition of "associated employer" applied (30. 11. 1991) by Coal Mining Subsidence Act 1991 (c.45, SIF 86), s. 30(7); S.I. 1919/2508, art. 2.

154 Orders, rules and regulations. E+W+S

(1) Any power conferred by any provision of this Act to make an order (other than an Order in Council F69 ) or to make rules or regulations shall be exercisable by statutory instrument.

(2) Any statutory instrument made under any power conferred by this Act to make an Order in Council or other order or to make rules or regulations, except—

(a) an instrument required to be laid before Parliament in draft; and

(b) an order under section 18,

shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(3) Any power conferred by this Act which is exercisable by statutory instrument shall include power to make such incidental, supplementary or transitional provisions as appear to the authority exercising the power to be necessary or expedient.

(4) An order made by statutory instrument under any provision of this Act may be revoked or varied by a subsequent order made under that provision.

This subsection does not apply to an order under [F70 section 65, 66 or 96].

Textual Amendments

F69 Words repealed by Employment Act 1980 (c. 42, SIF 43:5), Sch. 2

F70 Words substituted by Employment Act 1980 (c. 42, SIF 43:5), Sch. 1 para. 22(b)

155 Offences by bodies corporate. E+W+S

(1) Where an offence under section F71 126 committed by a body corporate is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of, any director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate, or any person who was purporting to act in any such capacity, he as well as the body corporate shall be guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

(2) Where the affairs of a body corporate are managed by its members, subsection (1) shall apply in relation to the acts and defaults of a member in connection with his functions of management as if he were a director of the body corporate.

Textual Amendments

F71 Words repealed by Social Security Act 1986 (c. 50, SIF 113:1), s. 86(2), Sch. 11

156 Payments into the Consolidated Fund. E+W+S

(1)

F72 (2) There shall be paid out of [F73 the National Insurance Fund] into the Consolidated Fund sums equal to the amount of any expenses incurred—

(a) by the Secretary of State in consequence of Part VI, except expenses incurred in the payment of sums in accordance with any such arrangements as are mentioned in section 111(3);

(b) by the Secretary of State (or by persons acting on his behalf) in exercising his functions under sections 122 to 126.

(3) There shall be paid out of [F73 the National Insurance Fund] into the Consolidated Fund such sums as the Secretary of State may estimate in accordance with directions given by the Treasury to be the amount of any expenses incurred by any government department other than the Secretary of State in consequence of the provisions of [F74 sections 106 to 108].

Textual Amendments

F72 S. 156(1) repealed by Social Security Act 1986 (c. 50, SIF 113:1), s. 86(2), Sch. 11

F73 Words substituted by Employment Act 1990 (c. 38, SIF 43:5), s. 16(1), Sch. 2 para. 1(5)(a)

F74 Words substituted by Employment Act 1990 (c. 38, SIF 43:5), s. 16(1), Sch. 2 para. 1(5)(b)

157 Northern Ireland. U.K.

(1) If provision is made by Northern Irish legislation (that is to say by or under a Measure of the Northern Ireland Assembly) for purposes corresponding to any of the purposes of this Act, except [F75 sections 1 to 6] and 49 to 51, the Secretary of State may, with the consent of the Treasury, make reciprocal arrangements with the appropriate Northern Irish authority for co-ordinating the relevant provisions of this Act with the corresponding provisions of the Northern Irish legislation, so as to secure that they operate, to such extent as may be provided by the arrangements, as a single system.

(2)

F76 (3) The Secretary of State may make regulations for giving effect in Great Britain to any such arrangements, and any such regulations may make different provision for different cases, and may provide that the relevant provisions of this Act shall have effect in relation to persons affected by the arrangements subject to such modifications and adaptations as may be specified in the regulations, including provision—

(a) for securing that acts, omissions and events having any effect for the purposes of the Northern Irish legislation shall have a corresponding effect for the purposes of this Act (but not so as to confer a right to double payment in respect of the same act, omission or event); and

(b) for determining, in cases where rights accrue both under this Act and under the Northern Irish legislation, which of those rights shall be available to the person concerned.

(4) In this section “the appropriate Northern Irish authority” means such authority as may be specified in that behalf in the Northern Irish legislation.

Textual Amendments

F75 Words substituted with saving by Employment Act 1982 (c. 46, SIF 43:5), s. 20, Sch. 2 para. 9(2)

F76 S. 157(2) repealed by Employment Act 1990 (c. 38, SIF 43:5), s. 16(2), Sch. 3

158 The Isle of Man. E+W+S

(1) If an Act of Tynwald is passed for purposes similar to the purposes of Part VI, the Secretary of State may, with the consent of the Treasury, make reciprocal arrangements with the appropriate Isle of Man authority for co-ordinating the provisions of Part VI with the corresponding provisions of the Act of Tynwald so as to secure that they operate, to such extent as may be provided by the arrangements, as a single system.

(2) For the purpose of giving effect to any such arrangements, the Secretary of State shall have power, in conjunction with the appropriate Isle of Man authority, to make any necessary financial adjustments between [F77 the National Insurance Fund] and any fund established under the Act of Tynwald.

(3) The Secretary of State may make regulations for giving effect in Great Britain to any such arrangements, and any such regulations may provide that Part VI shall have effect in relation to persons affected by the arrangements subject to such modifications and adaptations as may be specified in the regulations, including provision—

(a) for securing that acts, omissions and events having any effect for the purposes of the Act of Tynwald shall have a corresponding effect for the purposes of Part VI (but not so as to confer a right to double payment in respect of the same act, omission or event); and

(b) for determining, in cases where rights accrue both under this Act and under the Act of Tynwald, which of those rights shall be available to the person concerned.

(4) In this section “the appropriate Isle of Man authority” means such authority as may be specified in that behalf in an Act of Tynwald.

Textual Amendments

F77 Words substituted by Employment Act 1990 (c. 38, SIF 43:5), s. 16(1), Sch. 2 para. 1(6)

159 Transitional provisions, savings, consequential amendments and repeals. E+W+S

(1) The transitional provisions and savings in Schedule 15 shall have effect but nothing in that Schedule shall be construed as prejudicing [F78 sections 16(1) and 17(2)(a) of the M9 Interpretation Act 1978] (effect of repeals).

(2) The enactments specified in Schedule 16 shall have effect subject to the amendments specified in that Schedule.

(3) The enactments specified in the first column of Schedule 17 are hereby repealed to the extent specified in column 3 of that Schedule.

Textual Amendments

F78 Words substituted by virtue of Interpretation Act 1978 (c. 30, SIF 115:1), s. 25(2)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C16 The text of s. 159(2)(3) and Sch. 17 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991

Marginal Citations

M9 1978 c. 30.

160 Citation, commencement and extent. E+W+S

(1) This Act may be cited as the Employment Protection (Consolidation) Act 1978.

(2) This Act, except section 139(2) to (9) and the repeals in section 122 of the M10 Employment Protection Act 1975 provided for in Schedule 17 to this Act, shall come into force on 1st November 1978, and section 139(2) to (9) and those repeals shall come into force on 1st January 1979.

(3) This Act, except sections 137 and 157 and paragraphs 12 and 28 of Schedule 16, shall not extend to Northern Ireland.

Marginal Citations

M10 1975 c. 71.