12 November 2015

Dates to be aware of

From the 1^st October - Employment tribunals lose power to make wider recommendations in discrimination cases

The Deregulation Act 2015 repeals the provision in the Equality Act 2010 that allows employment tribunals to make wider recommendations (that may benefit others, and not just the claimant personally) in discrimination cases.

From the 1^st October 2015 - National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Regulations 2015 come into force

The National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Regulations 2015 increase the hourly rate of the national minimum wage.

From the 1^st October 2015 - Ban on smoking in private cars carrying a person aged under 18 comes into force

The ban on smoking in private cars carrying a child aged under 18 comes into force.

From the 1^st October 2015 - Changes to health and safety requirements for self-employed workers

The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (General Duties of Self-Employed Persons) (Prescribed Undertakings) Regulations 2015 specify the list of activities where self-employed workers are required to comply with health and safety duties following changes to health and safety laws for self-employed workers.

From the 1^st September 2015 - Fit for Work service in place

The Fit for Work service, previously known as the Health and Work Service, will offer free occupational health assistance to employees, employers and GPs, including an independent assessment of employees who have been off sick for four weeks.

From the 1^st July 2015 - Claims for arrears of holiday pay limited to two years

The Government introduces new regulations to prevent claims for arrears of holiday pay going back more than two years.