Employment Law Update

Government announcements throughout the year highlight introductions of new employment laws as well as changes to existing employment laws and these employment law changes are typically introduced in April and October each year.

This spring is no exception and many of the previously announced changes have gone ahead but a couple of changes introduced by the previous Labour Government have been scrapped.

Plans for the right to request flexible working for parents of 17 year olds and the right to request time off for training for firms with less than 250 staff, both due to have come into force on 6 April 2011, have been scrapped by the coalition Government.

Changes in employment law that have gone ahead which have come in to force this month include the following:

• Increases in statutory payment rates for parents and for employees who are sick

• The right to additional paternity leave and pay

• Abolition of the default retirement age;

• Provisions in the Equality Act 2010 relating to positive action in recruitment and promotion as well as the public sector equality duties

• A new code for the taxation of termination payments – from 6 April, employers must use an 0T PAYE code for post P45 payments. This will impact on the amount of income tax the employer must withhold on termination of employment

• Implementation of the permanent migration cap

Doubtless these recent changes to employment law will require Employers to introduce them into the workplace and to update their existing HR policies.  

Complimentary Paternity Leave and Pay Policy

If you'd like to receive a complimentary Paternity Leave and Pay policy, updated to reflect the recent change in employment law, simply complete our free online HR Health Check and we'll send you a policy document along with a free HR Health Check report.

If you're concerned about these recent employment law changes or would simply like support on any difficult personnel problem, contact EmployEasily HR Services today on 0800 612 4772 or request a Free Quote now.

As always, we'll continue to keep you 'In the Loop' with our regular email bulletins.