April brings changes to employment law

A number of changes to legislation affecting employees have taken effect in early April.

“Fit notes”

From 6 April 2010, the existing system of sick notes is replaced by a fit-note system under which a person’s GP can suggest adjustments to an employee’s role and/or workplace to enable them to return to work.

The TUC has published a guide to the new method for reporting sickness. Brendan Barber said: “Many employers lack the occupational advice support needed to act on a doctor’s recommendations. That’s why we’ve produced this guide to get employers and unions working together to get round any problems the changes could create.”

Statutory maternity and paternity pay

From 4 April 2010, the standard rates of statutory maternity pay, statutory paternity pay and statutory adoption pay will increase from £123.06 to £124.88 a week.

Pension age

April sees the start of the equalisation process of the pension age for women. The state pension age for women born on or after 6 April 1950 starts increasing to 65 between 2010 and 2020.

Training

From 6 April 2010, employees have a legal right to make a request in relation to study or training — for example, time off work to study. The right is modelled on the procedure allowing parents and carers to make a request for flexible working. A refusal of a request must be on one or more grounds specified in the legislation (see FS13).

www.tuc.org.uk/extras/fitnote.pdf

www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/benefitrates2010.pdf

www.direct.gov.uk/en/Pensionsandretirementplanning/StatePension/DG_4017919

www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/Timeoffandholidays/DG_183635