New rights come into force
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Issued Date: 06 Apr 2009
Workplace rights were boosted as new measures to help
employees and employers took effect today.
Measures coming into force include:
* Right to request flexible working extended to parents of
children up to 16
* Automatic penalties for employers who underpay on the National
Minimum Wage
* Simpler dispute resolution rules to help workers and employers deal
with workplace disputes.
An extension in annual leave rights from 24 days to 28 days
for all employees took effect on Wednesday 1 April.
Employment Relations Minister Pat McFadden said:
"Flexible working has been a great success. The change we are
bringing in this month is about helping parents cope with work and
family life. Both workers and employers have felt the benefits of
flexible working since we first introduced the right to request.
"Fewer mothers change jobs when they return to work meaning
greater continuity for businesses and more employees have been able to
work hours which help them cope with parental responsibilities.
"Firms can still say no if they have legitimate business
concerns, but more than 95% of all requests for flexible working from
working parents and carers are now accepted, as employers recognise the
benefits more and more.
"Parenting doesn't end as children get older. Extending the
right to request will help more parents get the flexibility they need.
The business benefits of flexible working are well documented and this
remains the case in tougher economic times."
Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said:
"New rights introduced over the last 10 years have made a real
difference to people at work.
"I am hugely proud of the success of measures such as flexible
working and the National Minimum Wage.
"Today we are taking another big step forward and I hope these
policies continue to pay dividends to workers, families and business
alike."
Notes
1. April 6th is one of two Common Commencement Dates each
year, when important laws come into force. This allows companies to
plan ahead and save time and money.
Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform
7th Floor, 1 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0ET
Public enquiries +44 (0)20 7215 5000
Textphone +44 (0)20 7215 6740 (for those with hearing impairment)
http://www.berr.gov.uk
About the Author
© Crown Copyright.
Material taken
from the BERR-
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform replacing DTI
- Department for Trade and Industry. Reproduced under the terms and
conditions of the Click-Use Licence.
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Article Published/Sorted/Amended on Scopulus 2009-04-07 12:06:18 in Employee Articles
