Don’t be an April fool !!
Friday, 1st April 2011
Make sure you are up to date with the latest employment law changes that are coming in to force. Here is a brief summary of the legislative changes due to come into force in April 2011.
Changes to maternity and paternity leave – Also in April, there will be changes to maternity and paternity leave provisions. Fathers (or mother’s partner) of children with an expected week of birth beginning on or after 3rd April 2011 or who are matched for adoption with a person who is notified of the match on or after 3 April 2011 will be allowed up to 26 weeks' additional paternity leave if the mother returns to work before using her full entitlement to statutory maternity leave. On the same date, the rates for statutory maternity, paternity and adoption pay will increase per week from £124.88 to £128.73.
The Equality Act 2010 - Provisions of The Equality Act 2010 relating to positive action in recruitment and promotion come into force from 6th April 2011 meaning that when faced with two or more candidates of equal merit, if the more favourable treatment is intended to address under-representation in the workforce an employer can make that choice. The single equality duty for public sector organisations will also be introduced.
Right to request flexible working extended to parents of children under 18 - This extends the right to request to work flexibly already conferred to parents of children under the age of 17, or under the age of 18 if the child is disabled, and to employees who care for adults aged 18 or over from 6th April 2011.
Abolition of the default retirement age (DRA) – The DRA will be completely abolished on 1st October 2011 and employers will be prohibited from retiring employees by means of the default retirement age from this date. Be aware though that transitional arrangements will come in to force from 6th April 2011 which will include that employers will be unable to issue new notifications of retirement. A practical step to take would be to review your employment policies and practices to make sure they are consistent and fair in managing older workers moving forward.
Increase in National Insurance thresholds and contributions for employers, statutory sick pay increases and an increase in the basic state pension will all take effect from 6th April 2011 also.
To discuss any of the planned employment law changes and how they may affect your business in the coming months, please contact Neil Largan on 01904 624185.
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