Other planned Employment
Laws for 2009
As a heads-up, the following legislation is planned for 2009,
but dates are yet to be set. We will send you updates as the
information becomes available.
The
Equality Bill will clarify the new legislative framework
on discrimination.
At a European level, there is the new Temporary
Workers Directive.
The new Apprenticeships,
Skills, Children and Learning Bill 2008/09 will introduce the right for employees to request time
away from their duties to undertake training.
Employers will be obliged to consider seriously these requests,
but will be able to refuse where there is a good business reason.
Extension
of right to time off for public duties — date to be
confirmed.
The right to time off for employees
serving in a wider range of civic roles is extended. It is
proposed that the right to time off for public duties under
s.50 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 should be extended to
cover roles such as members of probation boards; members of
court boards; and youth offender panel members. It is also
proposed that roles in the housing sector, such as board members
of registered social landlords and tenant management organisations,
should be covered by time off entitlements.
Employers
prevented from including tips in minimum wage
During 2009 (date to be
confirmed) National minimum wage legislation is amended to
stop employers using tips to top up staff pay in order to meet
the national minimum wage. Currently, employers can count service
charges and gratuities processed through the payroll towards
their obligation to pay the minimum wage. |
