Human Capital Services Business Matters 12th January 2009
What’s on the cards for 2009?
There has been lots of information in the press last year about the proposal to expand the right to request flexible working. But then it looked like it might be for the chop: an early victim of economic recession and business lobby pressure to cut the 'red tape' burden on employers.
However, in the recent Queen's Speech, she has made it clear that employment law is as good as recession-proof:
"My Government will bring forward a Bill to promote equality, fight discrimination and introduce transparency in the workplace to help address the difference in pay between men and women."
Below are the other areas that will see changes in 2009 and HCS will keep you updated throughout the year, when they occur and how the changes are likely to affect you:
From February
- The Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order 2008 (SI 2008/3055) – will come into force on 1 February. The maximum compensation in an unfair dismissal case increased to £66,200. The maximum weekly pay to be taken into account when calculating statutory redundancy payments and the basic award in unfair dismissal claims is increased to £350.
In ‘Spring’
- Points-based immigration - Tier 4, which applies to students, is expected to be implemented in Spring 2009.
From April
- Statutory annual leave entitlement will increase from 4.8 weeks to 5.6 weeks – from 1 April.
- Statutory maternity, paternity, adoption pay – the flat rates for SMP, SPP and SAP will increase to £123.06 per week (or 90% of average weekly earnings if less) from 6 April.
- Statutory sick pay - the flat rate for SSP will increase to £79.15 per week from 6 April.
- Employment Act 2008 is expected to come into force – repealing the statutory dismissal, disciplinary and grievance procedures contained in the Employment Act 2002 and the related procedurally unfair dismissal rules in the Employment Rights Act 1996. A revised Acas Code of Practice will replace the statutory procedures and employment tribunals will be able to alter awards by up to 25% where an employer or employee unreasonably fails to comply with it. The Act will also introduce penalties for employers who have paid below the national minimum wage and workers will be entitled to have arrears of wages repaid at current rates.
- The right to request flexible working will be extended to parents of older children.
From August
- Minimum weekly earnings for all apprentices in England will increase from £80 to £95.
From October
- National minimum wage rates – are likely to rise. In addition, the Government has asked the Low Pay Commission to make provisional rate recommendations for 2010 and advise whether the current apprentice exemptions are still appropriate.
- Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 – delayed from 2007, will introduce a centralised vetting system for people working with children and vulnerable adults.
So what can businesses look forward to in terms of further legislative impact in the workplace?
The big one for the year will be the repeal of the statutory dispute resolution procedures, which comes into effect from April 2009. This will have an impact on your Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures.
HCS will be running a series of workshops on the following dates during 2009, details below:
Disciplinary & Grievance Tuesday 24 February and Friday 6 March 2009. From 10 am to 12 Noon
Handling Redundancies Friday 27 February and Tuesday 10 March 2009. From 10 am to 12 Noon
Managing Attendance to improve attendance at work Tuesday 3 March and Friday 13 March 2009. From 10 am to 12 Noon
Handling Conflict and difficult situations in the workplace Tuesday 17 March 2009 and Friday 27 March 2009. From 10 am to 12 Noon
Cost: £65 for the first delegate place and half price for the second delegate place!
Venue: Enterprise House, Southbank Business Park, Donaldson St, Kirkintilloch, G66 1XF
How to book: Contact Dania Cacace on 0141 776 6456 or email dania.cacace@humancapitalservices.co.uk
If you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at: enquiries@humancapitalservices.co.uk or call on 0141 776 6456
29 July 2009, Administrator
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