Employment law changes - A Six Point Check List

7th October 2015

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Here's a brief round up ....

1) National Minimum Wage rate increases with effect from 1st October

click this link to get the up to date rates http://www.kisshrukltd.co.uk/statutory-pay

2) Fit for Work

Fit for Work service should be fully operational by Autumn, is free and is intended to help employees stay in or return to work. It provides an occupational health assessment and general health and work advice to employees, employers and GPs.
FFW will complement, and not replace, existing occupational health services provided by employers.
You may find clicking on this link helpful which provides further guidance http://fitforwork.org/download/employer-resources/6636_Employer%20Quick%20Reference%20Guide_v8.pdf

3) Tribunals lose power to make wider recommendations

From 1st October, tribunals no longer have any power to make recommendations that go beyond an employee's own circumstances in a discrimination claim.

4) Ban on smoking in cars with children

From 1 October, drivers of private cars in England will now be banned from smoking in them if they are carrying children under 18 as passengers.
Employers will need to consider revising their smoking and company car policies, as employees using a company car for family purposes will be affected by the new law.

5) Sikh safety helmet exemption extended to all workplaces

The exemption of turban-wearing Sikhs from wearing a safety helmet on construction sites is to be extended to all workplaces from 1 October 2015. This change means that Sikhs will be able to wear a turban, and not a safety helmet, in workplaces such as warehouses, factories and vehicles involved in transportation.

6) Modern slavery statements

Did you know slavery was abolished in the 19th century yet modern slavery exists in the form of forced or compulsory labour, servitude or human trafficking.
From October 2015, employers with an annual turnover of £36 million or more will have to publish a modern slavery statement each year.

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