Employment Regulations
In general, as long as you recruit on the basis of merit and not sex, race or religion, you should not encounter any problems. Remember all employees in similar work are entitled to the same pay and conditions. For further information refer to the section on Equalities.
The newly introduced common commencement dates, 1 October and 6 April, are designed to ensure that employment legislation becomes active on just two days each year making it easier for employers to keep up-to-date.
Businesslink.gov.uk helps businesses keep on top of new legislation with their Regulation Updates. The one-page updates provide summaries of new regulation, when it takes effect and where to find additional details.
The newly introduced common commencement dates, 1 October and 6 April, are designed to ensure that employment legislation becomes active on just two days each year making it easier for employers to keep up-to-date.
Businesslink.gov.uk helps businesses keep on top of new legislation with their Regulation Updates. The one-page updates provide summaries of new regulation, when it takes effect and where to find additional details.
The delayed revision of fire safety rules for non-domestic premises will be introduced on 1 October 2006, according to the ODPM. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order was originally scheduled for introduction on 6 April, but has been postponed to give those affected more time to prepare.
The DTI has published draft text on the new Age Discrimination Regulations on its website. Subject to approval by Parliament, the new law will come into force on 1 October this year.
1 October 2005 saw another rise in the National Minimum Wage. The rate for adult workers aged 22 or over has increased to £5.05. While the development rate, for 18-21 year olds, has increased to £4.25 per hour. A minimum level for 16-17 year olds is £3.00 per hour. Additionally, there are changes to the way the National Minimum Wage applies to home or piece workers. For Government guidance visit: http://www.dti.gov.uk/er/nmw
It is illegal to discriminate against the disabled, which may mean you need to make changes to your workplace and systems to enable those with disabilities to work or access your goods and services (Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Amendment) Regulations 2003).
6 April 2005 saw a raft of new business legislation. Cobweb Information Ltd have compiled a guide to these key changes in the law. In addition, a summary of the employment law changes effective from 6 April is on page three of this PDF.
Another change in the law that came into force last April may affect liability insurance premiums for businesses. The Health and Social Care Act 2003 will make firms responsible for repaying the NHS for the costs of treating customers or employees who have successfully claimed compensation for injuries or ill health resulting from the business' activities. Click here to find out more.
Another change in the law that came into force last April may affect liability insurance premiums for businesses. The Health and Social Care Act 2003 will make firms responsible for repaying the NHS for the costs of treating customers or employees who have successfully claimed compensation for injuries or ill health resulting from the business' activities. Click here to find out more.
The Race Relations Act 1976 (Amendment) Regulations 2003 incorporates the EU Race Directive into UK law. To encourage good racial equality practices in small businesses, the Commission for Racial Equality has a FREE interactive guide to help business owners understand the law. This is entitled 'Racial Equality and the Smaller Business - A Practical Guide'. Visit www.cre.gov.uk
The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) help businesses understand what new laws mean for them through their FREE national helpline (08457 47 47 47), specially designed training and their good practice guidance. Click to access Getting it Right factsheets.
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