What is new in Employment Law?

From the moment you take on your first employee you have to comply with over 30 different employment law in the UK. Not only that, you have to keep on top of all the new employment legislation that is constantly coming into force.

2008 is set to bring new challenges for employers. We have highlighted what we think are the eight most significant employment law issues for the coming year:

1 Equality Bill
The government will reveal plans for the biggest shake up of UK discrimination legislation in decades. The new Equality bill is set to trigger a lively debate on several contentious issues.

2 Equal Pay
Public sector workers want to be paid the highest rate for their pay grade. This is likely to spread from the NHS to local authorities and through to the public sector. The resulting disputes are set to cause problems for the tribunal service - equal pay claims have soared from 8,229 in 04/05 to a staggering 44,013 in 06/07.

3 Corporate Manslaughter
The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide act comes into force on 6th April 2008. A true Health & Safety culture in your company is now more important than ever.

4 Dispute Resolution
After just four years the Dispute Resolution legislation will be abolished. (It was supposed to encourage employers and workers to settle differences without resorting to tribunal. ACAS is providing guidance for mediation to be incorporated in the new Employment Bill.

5 Information and Consultation
The Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations come into force, for all employers of 50 or more. Employees will gain new rights to be continuously informed of developments in the workplace.

6 Age Discrimination
The Age Concern offshoot Heydey have challenged the UK's implementation of Age Discrimination legislation. They argue that a fixed retirement age is unlawful. Do not expect any clarification of the law until mid 2009.

7 Agency Workers Directive
There is strong pressure from the TUC for more rights for Agency workers. Expect a strong debate on this to take place this year.

8 Illegal Workers,
From 29th February 2008 both criminal and civil penalties will come into place for employers employing Illegal workers. In addition, periodic checks on legality must be carried out rather than a single check prior to employment.

Deminos are HR Outsourcing and employment law specialists. To find out more please call us on 020 7870 1090 or visit http://www.deminos.co.uk