This month will see a number of employment laws coming into effect, such as a reduction in the minimum period for collective redundancy consultation, the introduction of PAYE reporting in real time and rises in statutory sick pay, maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
Legal Aid Cuts Come Into Force
New rules governing legal aid in England and Wales came into force yesterday (April 1st), which the Government says will save £350m from a £2.1bn budget, amid warnings that the changes could encourage people to take the law into their own hands.
IP Tax Benefit Will Benefit Creativity
On Monday of next week a new tax called Patent Box will come into force that will mean that firms with intellectual property (IP) that qualifies under the new rules will be able to reduce their corporation tax bill.
Relaxation Of Criminal Record Checks Announced
The Home Office announced this week that old and minor cautions and convictions will no longer have to be disclosed to prospective employers, following a Court of Appeal ruling earlier this year that blanket checks did not comply with human rights laws.
Compensation Payouts To Jobseekers Blocked By Lords
Peers sitting overnight last night (March 25th) in the House of Lords voted for emergency legislation blocking up to £130m in compensation payouts to jobseekers, which is now set to become law.