What every employer needs to know in 2010
Monday, 11th January 2010
As the country gets back to normal after the Christmas break and difficult weather conditions, Employers of all sizes will shortly have to brace themselves for yet more legislative changes in relation to Employment Law.
The year ahead is likely to hold many additions to the statute book which mostly will bolster the rights of employees and increase yet further the administrative and in some instances, financial burden upon Employers.
The proposed changes include the following:
1. “Fit” rather than sick notes
A huge number of Employers are adversely impacted by sick leave amongst their workforce. There is a widely held view that employees are able to obtain sick notes very easily from their GP. “Fit” notes will be much more detailed than the current sick notes and provide employers with much more information in relation to an employee’s illness, including whether or not they are capable of doing some work (although the employee may be unable to fulfil their normal duties). This is one of the few proposed changes that may be of benefit to Employers.
2. Right to request time off to train
It is reported that there will be a new right to unpaid time off to undertake further study or training.
3. Additional paternity leave/pay
The Government intends to introduce additional leave to the effect that fathers will be able to take up to 26 weeks paternity leave once the mother has returned to work. Additional statutory paternity pay is likely to be introduced at the same time.
4. Strengthening of discrimination legislation
The Government have announced that there will be a thorough review of the current discrimination and harassment regulations so as to harmonise the current position and to strengthen further employees’ rights in the workplace.
For advice on employment law matters, please do not hesitate to contact Neil Largan at Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors, n.largan@crombiewilkinson.co.uk or telephone 01904 624185.
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