Summary of key new laws now in force

Age discrimination at work is outlawed.

The new rules affect every stage of the employment process: recruitment, terms and conditions, training, promotion, transfers, retirements and dismissals. The idea behind the regulations is that it is no longer acceptable to incorporate age-related criteria in any of your business processes. However, if you can prove that there is an objective justification, there are certain circumstances in which it is acceptable under the new rules to discriminate on grounds of age.  

More information See the age-discrimination pages on the Department of Trade and Industry website www.dti.gov.uk/employment/discrimination/age-discrimination/index.html 

National minimum wage rates have risen.

the full rate for employees aged 22 years and over has increased to £5.35 an hour the ‘development rate’ for workers aged between 18 and 21 has increased to £4.45 an hour the rate applicable to workers aged 16 and 17 has risen to £3.30 an hour the second ‘development rate’ is abolished; these workers are now entitled to receive £5.35 an hour.

More informationVisit the DTI website www.dti.gov.uk/employment/pay/national-minimum-wage/index.html 

New family-friendly employment legislation in force.

The length of time that pregnant women and adoptive parents can take off work has been extended to a year. Where the child is due on or after 1 April 2007, statutory maternity pay is now payable for nine months. Increased contact and ‘Keeping in Touch Days’ are allowed between employers and employees on maternity or adoption leave.  

More informationFor a list of the legislation changes, visit the DTI website www.dti.gov.uk/employment/workandfamilies 

Fire-safety rules mean businesses must carry out risk assessments.

Anyone with control of commercial premises is now required to take reasonable steps to remove or reduce the risk of fire as far as possible, and to put a plan in place ensuring people can escape safely if there is a fire. Businesses must carry out regular fire-risk assessments and, if the firm has five employees or more, keep written records.  

More informationVisit the Department for Communities and Local Government website www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1162101