With summer almost over, many of you are probably wondering what there is to look forward to next. Fear not! Our Autumn Breakfast Series is just around the corner to give you the "pep" you need.

In Guernsey next month we will host States of Guernsey housing expert, Esther Ingrouille, who will dispel the myths and rumours surrounding housing licences and any possible amendments to the law. Esther will join us for coffee and croissants on Friday, 3 and 10 October, from 8-9.30am to answer your questions.

Our speaker, Emma Parr, is also running a breakfast presentation on the topical issue of disability. She will suggest ways of managing disabled employees and let you know what changes in the law may be afoot. Emma will be speaking on Friday, 17 October from 8-9.30am.

Finally, in Jersey on 6 November we are running a lunchtime pensions seminar with expert, Julie Welch, from Wincanton Group and Collas Crill partner Mason Birbeck. 

Details and invitations to all seminars will be emailed shortly. In the meantime, we suggest you pencil these dates in your diaries - you won't want to miss them!

Now for the important legal bit; in this month's newsletter Emma discusses last week's UK Appeal judgment concerning mental impairment during Tribunal proceedings, and gives an update on next month's changes to Guernsey's minimum wage rates. Also, Simon Hurry considers whether an employer has the right to increase a disciplinary sanction on appeal and, if so, how best to do this.

WHEN DOES A MENTAL IMPAIRMENT IMPACT ON A TRIBUNAL'S OVERRIDING OBJECTIVE?

Have you ever wondered what would happen if a person decides to bring their own claim and then struggles to cope with the stress of it all?

In last week's Court of Appeal judgment, UK judges were faced with this very question. Read on to see how they dealt with the issue... When does mental impairment impact on a Tribunal's overriding objective?

APPEALING AN EMPLOYER'S DECISION - WHAT'S THE WORST THAT CAN HAPPEN?

Fair procedure dictates that an employee should have the right to appeal a decision made by a disciplinary panel, but do employees need to think twice before exercising this entitlement?

A recent case, which may well divide opinion, explored whether or not an employee can find themselves being subjected to a more severe disciplinary sanction than that originally imposed, having elected to appeal. Simon Hurry discusses: Appealing an employer's decision - what's the worst that can happen?

WORD OF CAUTION - IMMINENT NEW MINIMUM WAGE RATES

We couldn't send you this month's newsletter without informing you of the new rate changes to minimum wages in Guernsey, which are set to apply from 1 October 2014. Click here to see the full breakdown of the rates.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.