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Has employment law gone quiet in the run up to the general election?
Although this year is going to be dominated by the coming General Election, with the last possible date on which it can be held being 3rd June 2010 there are already legislation changes and new legislation which will come into force prior to the General Election. As you may be aware, there are two dates in a year when legislation is likely to change; these are usually 6th April and 1st October.
During April, there are a number of legislative changes planned to come into force.
You may have noticed comment in the press about so-called “fit notes”. The Social Security (Medical Evidence) and Statutory Sick Pay (Medical Evidence) Amendment Regulations 2010 come in to force on 6th April 2010.
These Regulations are designed to improve the perennial problem of absenteeism, which affects every employer throughout the UK. The format of the medical certificates will change and the rules in respect of the completion of the certificates will also be amended. Doctors will be able to specify whether their patient in unfit to work or may be able to work with appropriate support if available. The Regulations will also reduce the number of different medical statements available for doctors to issue. The end of meaning fewer statements like, “General Debility” is insight! It will also be possible, in certain circumstances, for employers to contact doctors direct.
The Equality Bill has recently completed its passage through the House of Lords and is now likely to be introduced with effect from October 2010. This legislation will consolidate all the existing law in relation to equal pay and discrimination into one single Act.
It will therefore be seen that in what is perceived to be a relatively quiet year, there is considerable activity in respect of Employment Law. No doubt there will be additional matters to be considered following the General Election.
All of the above, plus the many other Employment Law changes that will come into force from April 2010 will be covered in The ELAS Employment Law Update on the 18th March-To book a place on this course please call 0161 785 2000.
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