Employment Law Update 1 October 2015
A number of employment law changes take effect from today. These include increases to statutory rates and safety legislation changes.
Minimum wage increase
The new rates applicable from st October are:
21 and over |
18 to 20 |
Under 18 |
Apprentice* |
£6.70 |
£5.30 |
£3.87 |
£3.30 |
*This rate applies to apprentices aged 16 to 18 and those aged 19 or over, who are in their first year.
All other apprentices are entitled to the relevant National Minimum Wage rate for their age.
Employment Tribunal powers
Tribunals no longer have the power to make wider recommendations in discrimination cases. They may now only make recommendations relating to the individual claimant.
Health and safety laws for the self-employed
Providing they have no employees (and subject to a few exceptions), people who are self-employed are now exempt from health & safety laws.
Safety-wear rules for Sikh workers
Sikhs are now allowed to wear turbans in all workplaces, subject to some exceptions. Before today, this was only allowed on building sites.
For more information about how these issues may affect your business, please contact me by email at amy.hallam@brmlaw.co.uk, or telephone 01246 564012.