Legal Updates

DTI: Proposed Changes to Employment Regulations 6 April 2004

The DTI will introduce domestic employment regulations twice a year from now on. The dates will be 6 April (the start of the tax year) and 1 October (when the minimum wage will be revised).

In harmonising the commencement dates for employment regulations, the Government is hoping that businesses in particular would be able to plan for new measures and be able to implement them effectively. In addition, it is intended that these changes to employment policy are made in a coordinated fashion and will provide businesses, employee representatives and individuals with greater clarity and awareness about proposed changes.

The proposed Regulations that are due to come into effect on 6 April are:
Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations
These regulations will apply to private recruitment and update existing regulations.
Maternity Leave and Paternity, and adoption Leave and Pay Regulations.

An amendment to the existing regulations introduced in April 2003 for working parents.
Regulations to amend the National Minimum Wage to introduce New Fair Piece Rate Regime
An amendment to introduce a system of fair piece rates for workers that are paid according to how many pieces they produce. Output workers would either have to be paid the minimum wage for all hours worked or paid under the new system called a rated output work.

Email: Dr Rosanna Cooper

© RT COOPERS, 2004. This Briefing Note does not provide a comprehensive or complete statement of the law relating to the issues discussed nor does it constitute legal advice. It is intended only to highlight general issues. Specialist legal advice should always be sought in relation to particular circumstances.