Government considers timing of legal changes

The government has just published a short document seeking views on whether there should be fixed dates in the year when employment law changes come into force.

The document suggests three options. Option one would give just one date in the year when all employment law changes take place. Option two would have changes come into force at set dates throughout the year, for example, every three months. Option three would allow changes to take place over the course of the year but the government would publish an annual statement listing what will happen in the year ahead and when. It could also make sure that changes come into force at the beginning of the month only.

Although options one and two would introduce a more simplified and streamlined system of legal changes they each create difficulties where the government is required to implement European directives. These do not have a set implementation date in the year and if the government was to adopt either option one or two it would inevitably mean implementing European laws earlier than absolutely necessary. The government knows that employers would oppose this move.

The consultation paper can be obtained from the Department of Trade and Industry website at www.dti.gov.uk; the consultation runs until 30 January 2003.