Current Issues

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Trade Marks Act - Changes to make application process simpler
[October 5, 2007] From 1st October 2007, the Trade Mark application process has been made simpler for new applicants. Includes an overview of Trade Marks, and links to further resources.

Employee holiday entitlement increases
[October 2, 2007] With holiday entitlements set to increase by four days from 1 October 2007, Acas has launched a new guide offering free advice to help employers introduce the changes.

Companies Act 2006 - First provisions implemented today
[October 1, 2007] Some of the main provisions of the Companies Act 2006 come into effect today. The Government claims the changes will simplify company law and will also result in a yearly £250m saving for businesses

Companies Act 2006 - The longest piece of legislation... ever!
[September 27, 2007] The Times reminds us that The Companies Act 2006 is the longest piece of legislation ever passed by Parliament. Some useful links for further information on the Act.

Employment tribunals could bankrupt most small businesses
[August 22, 2007] Two thirds of SMEs in the north west believe that the cost of an employment tribunal could spell bankruptcy for their business, according to a recent survey.

Employers should keep an eye on "blogging" employees!
[May 25, 2007] A new survey has revealed that more than a third of ‘blogging employees’ are posting information about their employer, workplace or colleagues on personal blog site

One in three employees exaggerate sickness to get time off
[April 27, 2007] Research has revealed a discrepancy between what employers and employees deem to be acceptable reasons for calling in sick. Also, some tips for creating an effective sickness absence policy.

UK businesses say employee rights gone too far
[April 19, 2007] New research by entrepreneur think tank The Tenon Forum reveals that 70% of UK entrepreneurs feel that the balance of power has been shifted too far in favour of the employee.

Age discrimination laws - most small businesses have made no changes
[March 29, 2007] Six months on and only 17% of businesses have adopted recruitment and employment changes

Dispute Resolution procedures under review
[March 27, 2007] UK employment expert Croner has welcomed the DTI’s decision to consult over the possible abolition of the Statutory Dismissal and Grievance Procedures.

Calls for businesses to prepare for April launch of new Work and Families legislation
[March 27, 2007] 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.

Tenancy Deposits - New laws for landlords and tenants
[March 5, 2007] New laws to protect tenants' deposits come into effect from April 2007. The legal change will compel a landlord to hand over deposits to a third party or have an insurance scheme cover it.

Companies Act 2006 - Implementation timetable
[February 28, 2007] The full implementation timetable for the Companies Act 2006 - which introduces sweeping changes to company law especially for small businesses - has been announced.

Data Protection advice note for small businesses
[February 27, 2007] The Information Commissioner’s Office has published advice to help SMEs deal with requests from individuals for access to information held about them. Includes Data Protection Act information.

Tough new penalties for using your mobile while driving
[February 26, 2007] Nearly one in three company car drivers have been found to be breaking the law when it comes to using a mobile phone in their vehicles... advice for employers as tough new penalties come into force from 27th February.

New requirements for business website owners
[January 22, 2007] From 1 January 2007, if your website does not contain the company’s full name – including any trading names, its place of registration and registration number and registered office address, you are committing an offence.

Businesses urged to adopt zero tolerance anti-bullying policy
[January 22, 2007] Businesses are being urged to adopt a zero tolerance policy towards workplace bullying in the wake of the furore surrounding Channel 4’s Big Brother reality TV programme. Includes advice on developing a bullying prevention procedure.

New flexible working laws will mean significant change for employers
[January 17, 2007] Employers should expect a significant rise in requests for flexible working as a result of new legislation which will come into force in April 2007, warns an international law firm.

Fines for employers failing to pay the minimum wage
[January 9, 2007] The Government has announced that employers who fail to pay employees the minimum wage will face prosectution and a fine of up to £5,000. The fine is on top of the wage arrears that must be paid to the employees concerned.

UK businesses spend £277,000 in time and fees on a typical employment dispute
[December 11, 2006] A leading Bank, Law Firm and Dispute Resolution Centre claim that mediation could save thousands in employment disputes for UK businesses.

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