Workplace Law explains October 1st business legislation changes

October 1st saw new changes to legislation in a number of key areas which affect businesses. These include the establishment of the Commission for Equality and human Rights, changes to the flexible working regulations, changes to the Working Time Regulations on annual holiday entitlement, and an increase in the national miniumum wage. Workplace Law explains the changes and how they affect businesses.

[UKPRwire, Wed Oct 03 2007] Changes to legislation that affects business can only be implemented on the 1st October or 6th April, according to governmetn regulations. Workplace Law explains here the key changes to legislation that are occurring this October, and how they affect businesses. So what is being introduced on this CCD?

1. The Equality Act 2006 (Dissolution of Commissions and Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Order 2007 - this Order dissolves the Commission for Racial Equality, the Disability Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunities Commission to establish the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR). The CEHR will take on all of the powers of the existing Commissions as well as new powers to enforce legislation more effectively and promote equality for all.

2. Flexible Working (Eligibility, Complaints and Remedies) (Amendment) (No 2) Regulations 2007 - the regulations amend the Flexible Working (Eligibility, Complaints and Remedies) regulations 2002 to redefine "adopter" to extend the definition to those who are adopting a child (whether domestically or internationally) where the child has not been placed with the adopters by a UK adoption agency. They also add definitions of "adoption agency", "private foster carer", and "residence order".

3. The Working Time (Amendment) Regulations 2007 - this brings into force the changes to minimum statutory holiday entitlement, increasing it to 4.8 weeks (24 days if you work a five day week) from October 2007. Holiday entitlement will increase gradually over the next couple of years, so that by 1 April 2009 workers will be entitled to 5.6 weeks (28 days if you work a five day week).

4. National Minimum Wage Regulations 1999 (Amendment) Regulations 2007 - the regulations increase the rate of the National Minimum Wage:
-from £5.35 to £5.52 per hour for workers aged 22 and over
-from £4.45 to £4.60 per hour for workers aged 18 to 21 years
-from £3.30 to £3.40 for workers aged 16 to 17 years.

The National Minimum Wage applies to nearly all workers, and the rates set are based on the recommendations of the independent Low Pay Commission.

5. Indicative Occupational Exposure Limit Values (IOELVs) - The HSE has approved new and revised Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) for 33 substances with IOELVs, which came into force on 1 October 2007.

6. Companies Act 2006 (1 October 2007 provisions) - additional sections of this act are now in force. They include a statutory statement of directors' duties sets out the duties and responsibilities of directors; for example, they will have to promote the long-term success of the company while considering factors such as the environment, community and employees.

For more information on the changes to legislation and how it affects you, go to:

http://www.workplacelaw.net/news/display/id/11417

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. The Workplace Law Network is the fastest growing legal support service in the country. Some of the UK's biggest employers, including KPMG, Tesco, the BBC and Powergen turn to us for expert advice on the law of the workplace and how it affects them.

The Workplace Law Network provides legal support to over 50,000 employers and managers. They know the law does affect them, in all areas of their business. From personnel and employment issues to health and safety and premises management, it's vital to know where you stand.

2. Workplace Law Training, Second Floor Daedalus House, Station Road, Cambridge CB1 2RE, 0870 777 8881, www.workplacelaw.net

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