Business Information Online: October 2011

Common Commencement Date: New regulations from October

Although regulations can come into force throughout the year, a number of key government departments issue all their changes twice a year, on 6 April and 1 October.

Here are the latest changes to legislation which come into force on the Common Commencement date of 1 October 2011.

1. The Agency Workers regulations

Takes effect: 1 October

Relevant to all employers that take on temporary workers or agency workers through a hirer or intermediary.

Essential facts

From 1 October 2011, agency workers who work in the same role with the same hirer for 12 continuous calendar weeks will be-entitled to-the same basic employment: and working conditions as employees in comparable roles.

As of the first day in a temporary role, the hirer must give agency workers access to any collective onsite facilities as would be given to a comparable employee - eg staff canteens, childcare, parking and transport, and access to information on relevant job vacancies within the business.

These rights are in addition to those which temporary and agency workers already enjoy under the Working Time Regulations 1998.

For more information on Agency Workers (Amendment) Regulations 2011, visit our dedicated page: Changes to working and employment conditions of agency workers.

2. National minimum wage rises

Take effect: 1 October

Relevant to all employers.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has announced the national minimum wage rates from 1 October 2011:

• the adult rate will increase by 15p to GBP 6.08 an hour
• the rate for 18-20 year olds will increase by 6p to GBP 4.98 an hour
• the rate for 16-17 year olds will increase by 4p to GBP 3.68 an hour
• the rate for apprentices will increase by l0 p to GBP 2.60 an hour

For further information please visit our guide to the national minimum wage.

3. Abolition of default retirement age

Takes effect: 1 October

Relevant to: all employers

Employers will have a choice to abolish retirement ages in their organisation altogether; or maintain a retirement age for some or all roles which they can objectively justify.

For a full guide visit our page on age legislation and the default retirement age.

Stay informed

Business Link's regulation updates page will provide you with information about new and changing regulations that may affect your business.

Get involved

The Red Tape Challenge (RTC) website gives the public a chance to have their say on regulations that affect their everyday lives; whether it's to speak up for well designed rules that are there to protect or to challenge badly designed regulations that are an unnecessary burden. Have your say at the Red Tape Challenge website.

 

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