Following on from numerous employment law changes for business owners to get to grips with this year, including the extension of the right to request flexible working and the introduction of early conciliation by Acas, new legislation affecting ante-natal rights, the minimum wage and new protection for reservists adds to the changes effective in October.
And as more changes come into force today, employers need to ensure they continue to keep up-to-date with the latest developments.
Antenatal rights for fathers and partners to take time off work
Fathers and partners are now entitled to take time off to accompany a pregnant woman to an antenatal appointment on up to two occasions. There is no stipulation regarding minimum period of service so all employees will be eligible to take advantage of the new right.
While the rights also extend to agency workers, a minimum service requirement applies to trigger eligibility.
National minimum wage increases
The national minimum wage for workers aged 21 and over increases from £6.31 to £6.50. The youth rate (workers aged 18-20) increases from £5.03 to £5.13 per hour. The young workers rate (workers aged 16-17) increases from £3.72 to £3.79.
The apprentice rate (apprentices under 19 or 19 and over in the first year of their apprenticeship) increases from £2.68 to £2.73.
Reservists better protected against unfair dismissal
Where an employee is dismissed exclusively (or mainly) because he or she is a member of reserve force, the normal two year service requirement for bringing an unfair dismissal claim does not apply and employees can pursue a claim immediately.
For further guidance on how these changes will affect you and your team members, contact Hallidays Ethical Resourcing on 0161 476 8278 or email hr@hallidays.co.uk.
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