A number of Changes in the law come in on 1st October.
Increase in National Minimum Wage rates
The following new rates will apply:
Employers may not use service charges, tips and gratuities, which are processed through the payroll to contribute towards payment to their employees of National Minimum Wage.
Increase in statutory redundancy pay
A week's pay for the purposes of calculating statutory redundancy pay will be increased from £350 to £380. This was announced as part of the 2009 Budget, in recognition of the current economic climate, and will result in a maximum potential statutory redundancy payment of £11,400. This figure is normally increased in February each year but no increase will take place in February 2010. This figure, for SRP at least, will remain the same until February 2011.
ACAS Code of Practice on time off for trade union activities and duties
ACAS has produced a new Code of Practice on time off for trade union activities and duties. This was published in August 2009 and replaces the previous 2004 Code. Two non-statutory guides accompany the Code, one dealing with time off for union representatives, the other for non-union employee representatives.
And on 4th October the Final cut off date for statutory grievance procedure
4 October 2009 is the final cut off date for a grievance to be dealt with under the old statutory grievance procedure. Since the procedure was repealed on 6 April, transitional arrangements have been in place in relation to grievances, raised after 6 April but about conduct that began on or before 5 April and continuing beyond that date. Where an employee submitted a written grievance or raised tribunal proceedings in relation to a claim that had a 3-month time limit (e.g. a discrimination claim), the old regime applied until 4 July 2009. For claims with a 6-month time limit (e.g. an equal pay claim), the old regime applies until 4 October 2009. Going forward, all grievances raised after 4 October 2009 will be dealt with under the new provisions in the ACAS Code.
Independent Safeguarding Authority vetting system
The Independent Safeguarding Authority (previously Independent Barring Board), will, from 12 October 2009, operate a centralised vetting and barring scheme for those working with children and vulnerable adults. It will be responsible for all decisions on barring individuals from working with children or vulnerable adults, and will maintain lists of such individuals. Employers will be able to consult the ISA on any individuals applying for jobs that will bring them into close contact with children
