Changes to regulations
A number of government departments issue their changes to regulations twice a year, on the common commencement dates (CCDs) 6 April and 1 October.
 
This April, many of the incoming changes will affect employment law, which you must be aware of if you employ people.
 
 

Employing people

Paternity leave and pay extended
 
Fathers will be able to benefit from up to 26 weeks' additional paternity leave, if the mother returns to work before the end of the maternity leave period to which she is entitled. This leave will be available during the second six months of the child's life and may be paid if taken during the mother's statutory maternity pay period. The legislation will come into effect in April 2010, with effect for parents of babies due from 3 April 2011.
 
Right to request time off for training
 
A right to request time off to undertake training will come into effect in April 2010. Like the right to request flexible working, employers will be obliged to consider requests that they receive, but will be able to refuse a request where there is a good business reason for doing so.
 
Employers will not be obliged to meet the salary or training costs to enable a request for time off for training to be met.
 
Although this legislation will only affect businesses with 250+ employees from April 2010, all businesses will be affected from April 2011 at the earliest, so it is definitely something to prepare for now.
 
GPs ‘fit notes'
 
The new ‘fit note' system will allow doctors to record whether a patient is fit or not fit for work, but also include a new option to allow a doctor to indicate where someone "may be fit for some work now". This should simplify the process for both GPs and employers. GPs will be able to issue statements printed on their practice's computer systems rather than handwriting them on a statement pad.
 
Blacklisting for union membership or activities
 
The blacklisting or discrimination of workers from employment as a result of union membership or activities is prevented.
 

Pensions

 
The number of years' contribution required to achieve a full basic state pension will be reduced to 30 years for both men and women.
 
The minimum age at which people can start to receive pension payments from an occupational or personal pension scheme will rise from 50 to 55. Exceptions include where the scheme member has a protected pension age or severe health problems.
 

Business rates

 
The rateable value thresholds that determine your entitlement to small business rate relief or rural rate relief - and the amount of that relief - are being increased.
 

Building regulations

 
House builders will have to comply with changes to the Building Regulations 2000. These will introduce for new homes:
  • a minimum water efficiency requirement
  • a maximum temperature requirement for bath water.
The rules will also be strengthened and clarified on:
  • the safety of hot water systems
  • the supply of water of suitable quality for personal and food hygiene.
 
For more information or advice on implementing regulation changes,
call our member helpline on 0845 130 1722.