As always, the regular changes to employment law in the UK looks set to continue through 2009. One of Holst’s Consulting Partners, Ian Shaw & Associates, has listed below some key developments to watch out for:

1st February
• The limits applying to tribunal awards and other amounts payable under employment legislation will increase for effective dates on or after 1st February 2009. The maximum amount of a ‘weeks pay’ will increase from £330 to £350 and the maximum compensatory award for unfair dismissal from £63,000 to £66,200.

1st April
• Holiday Entitlement – The statutory holiday entitlement is changing. The holiday entitlement increases from 4.8 weeks to 5.6 weeks from 1 April 2009. The holiday entitlement can include bank holidays.

5th April
• Weekly rates of statutory maternity, paternity and adoption leave pay will increase from £117.18 to £123.06.

6th April
• The rate of statutory sick pay will increase from £75.40 to £79.15.
• The statutory dispute resolution procedures will be repealed and replaced by a new ACAS Code of Practice.
• The right to request flexible working will be extended to parents of older children.

12 October
• The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 will introduce a single, centralised vetting system for certain categories of staff under the Independent Safeguarding Authority and create a constantly updated list of people who are not allowed to work with children or vulnerable adults. Penalties will be imposed upon employers who fail to make the requisite checks.

This briefing note is for guidance purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice.  It also only relates to the law of England and Wales unless otherwise mentioned.

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