The Road Transport (Working Time) Regulations - March 2005

Established new limits on weekly working time, night-time working and continuous work without a break for employees in road transport.

Information and Consultation regulations - April 2005

As from 6th April employees in organisations with over 150 staff have the right to be informed and consulted on a regular basis about important issues affecting their work. The effect, in essence, is that 10% or more of employees can request an Information & Consultation agreement or the employer?s can begin the process themselves.

Employment Equality (Sex Discrimination) Regulations - October 2005

The previous definition of sex discrimination was extended to cover any act that leads to 'intimidation' or 'degradation' acting to clarify the existing law, with the main effect being that an individual who believes they are being harassed can make a claim that they are being discriminated against.

Pensions Act implementation

Pensions rules are changing fast; the first tranche of changes came in during 2005 and more are due shortly.

National minimum wage increased - October 2005

The rate for adults increased from £4.85 to £5.05 per hour and the rate for ages 18-21 increased to £4.25 per hour.

Civil Partnerships - December 2005

Provided same sex couples in civil partnerships with comparable status to married couples. This impacts on paternity and adoption leave & pay, flexible working, and sexual orientation regulations.

Disability Discrimination - December 2005

The scope of the Act was extended to cover progressive conditions; HIV, multiple sclerosis and cancer, and clarify protection for people with mental illness.

For further information or a discussion on any of the above, please contact Laura Cerasale on 01494 451 681 or email laura@hradvantage.co.uk

January 2006