The government has published its consultation paper on the new Tupe regulations. It looks at when these should come into force, at occupational pensions and better pension protection for transferring employees. It also proposes to introduce a legal requirement for transferor employers to disclose details of terms and conditions to transferee employers.
www.dti.gov.uk/er/tupe/consult.htm
Work and parents
Two new work-life balance guides have been published: 'The Essential Guide to Work-Life Balance' and 'Work-Life Balance: The Business Case'. The latter is a particularly useful document for human resources experts. Various case studies illustrate the benefits to employers of better work-life balance practices. These benefits include reduced absenteeism and increased productivity.
www.dti.gov.uk/work-lifebalance
EU Information and Consultation Directive
The British government was forced to agree on proposals for a European Union Information and Consultation directive in June, which requires large and medium-sized business to consult with employee representatives and employees on issues such as corporate restructuring, changes to rights and benefits, and strategic changes affecting staff. The exact wording of the directive is still subject to consultation and agreement by the European Parliament.
http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/en/com/pdf/2001/en_501PC0296.pdf
Dispute resolution
A consultation period on proposals for resolution of workplace disputes was closed on 8 October. The government aims to find ways of resolving disputes in the workplace, if possible. Where not possible it wants to modernise the tribunals to enable them to deal with their increased caseload.
www.dti.gov.uk/er/individual/et.htm
Family tax credits
New family tax credits will replace existing credits and child-related payments in Income Support and income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.
www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/consult_new/new_tax_credit.htm
Paid holidays for short-term workers
The European Court of Justice ruled in June that the UK's 13-week qualifying period of employment before paid annual leave can be paid is contrary to the European Union Working Time Directive. The qualifying period is to be removed and a system for accrued paid annual leave introduced — effective from 25 October 2001.
http://www2.dti.gov.uk/er/work_time_regs/index.htm
Source
The Facilities Business
