October 1st, saw a range of new employment laws come into effect as part of a BERR initiative to regulate businesses more effectively. In an attempt to save businesses time and money, the BERR will only introduce new legislation on two dates a year: April 6th, and October 1st.
Among the most significant changes to employment law introduced in October was the new minimum wage amount. The National Minimum Wage has been increased to £5.73 for those aged 22 and over. People aged 18 to 21 will be entitled to £4.77, while under 18s will be entitled to at least £3.53.
From pay reference periods starting on or after 1 October 2006 the special rules for apprentices will be extended to apprentices aged over 25. This will mean that: • Apprentices under age 19 will not qualify for the national minimum wage • Apprentices over age 19 and in the first 12 months of their apprenticeship will not qualify for the national minimum wage. According to government estimates, almost 1 million employees will benefit from these changes.
The government have also announced that as of April 2009, tougher punishments will be meted out to those employers that haven't adjusted to the new rules. Employment Relations Minister, Pat McFadden, said, "The vast majority of employers treat their workers fairly and have nothing to fear from these changes. In fact, stronger enforcement will help prevent rogue bosses from undercutting honest competitors."
Women on additional maternity leave will be entitled to the same terms and conditions of employment as when they were on ordinary maternity leave (as long as their babies are expected after 5 October). All female employees are entitled to 26 weeks' ordinary leave and the same period of additional leave when they have a baby.
Businesses will no longer be required to retain a 40-year backlog of physical copies of Employers' Liability Compulsory Insurance certificates, as they will now be able to do this electronically.
Later in the month, Incapacity Benefit and Income Support will be replaced by Employment and Support Allowance for new applicants who are claiming on incapacity grounds. This is part of a previously announced initiative aimed at helping people with illnesses or disabilities to get back into the workplace.
(Courtesy The People Bulletin)