Calls for businesses to prepare for April launch of new Work and Families legislation

With only a short time until the new Work and Families legislation takes effect, Business Link is urging businesses to prepare for changes by providing practical support through its online maternity tool here.

The new legislation is effective from 6th April 2007 and affects parents of babies due to be born on or after this date, resulting in additional maternity and adoption pay and extended leave for parents.

Businesslink.gov.uk’s interactive tool helps employers establish their employees’ entitlement to maternity, paternity and adoption pay and leave, including flexible working. The free online tool provides employers with a tailored report indicating their responsibilities and a best practice approach making sure the guidelines are followed, in turn benefiting the business and its employees.

Jonathan Hollow, businesslink.gov.uk’s Portal Editor told Bytestart;

“Small businesses can feel anxious about new legislation particularly when they involve staffing issues which notoriously leaves them feeling vulnerable. With time running out, we want to encourage businesses to use the tool so that managers follow the right procedures, helping employees benefit from a family-friendly workplace.”

To help keep up to date with regulations affecting businesses, Business Link gives plain English guidance about new and changing regulations.