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The first half of 2010 sees the introduction of some wide ranging changes in employment legislation across the UK.
From February 2010...Reduction in Unfair Dismissal Compensation Limits
For the first time ever, compensation limits for unfair dismissal are being reduced, from £66,200 to £65,300. The new limits take effect when the ‘event' that contributed to the unfair dismissal claim happens on/ after 1st February. From April 2010...Increase in Statutory Payments
Standard rates for Statutory Maternity Pay, Statutory Paternity Pay and Statutory Adoption Pay increase to £124.88 per week (SSP remains at £79.15 per week) from 4th April. Change to the ‘Sick Note' Procedure
The Social Security (Medical Evidence) and SSP (Medical Evidence) Amendment Regulations 2010 will replace the current ‘sick note' system with a ‘fit note'. This allows a GP to record whether someone is fit or not for work, but also to record whether someone may be ‘fit for some work now'. The fit note will outline what work the employee can do, and is intended to help people stay in work or return to work rather than drift into long term sick leave. The new process will roll out across the UK from April. Additional Paternity Leave and Pay
Legislation comes into effect from April allowing qualifying parents to benefit from additional paternity leave and pay. If a mother returns to work before the end of her maternity leave period, the child's father (or partner of the mother) will be able to take up to 26 weeks' additional paternity leave, and may receive paternity pay (dependant on how much maternity pay the mother has received) at the same rate as statutory maternity pay. This additional leave can be taken in the second six months of the child's life. This legislation will apply for children born after 3rd April 2011. Additional Paternity Leave and Pay - for Adoptive Parents
Additional Paternity Leave and Pay will also be available to adopters. Where a couple adopt a child and the recipient of the adoption pay returns to work before the end of the adoption leave period, the other parent may benefit from this leave, and in some circumstances adoption pay. The regulations do not apply to overseas adoptions. The Right to Request Time Off for Training
For organisations with more than 250 employees, the government will introduce new legislation, to allow these employees to apply for time off to undertake training to benefit their role. The company is obliged to seriously consider each request, but may refuse it based on a genuine business reason. There is no obligation for the company, to meet the cost of this training. Reduction in Contributions required for a Full State Pension
From 6th April, the number of years' contribution required for a full state pension reduces to 30 years for both men and women Further Developments for 2010...Retirement Age
A review of the default retirement age will take place this year, with changes looking likely. It is possible that the retirement age (presently 65) will be changed or removed. General Election
If the Conservatives win the election, it is entirely possible that changes will be made to employment legislation. In particular, some of the Equality Act may not be implemented. Next Article > |
