WA56

New employment regulations come into force

New legislation on disability discrimination and disputes in the workplace has now become effective.

- Amendments to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995

These cover the issue of physical access and employment for disabled people. Under the new rules, all service providers must make 'reasonable adjustments' to their premises, and all employers must ensure that disabled workers are treated fairly.

- Changes to the regulations governing dismissal, disciplinary action and grievances in the workplace

All employers must now have in place minimum procedures for handling disputes, which include setting the grievance down in writing, inviting the employee to attend a meeting to discuss the issue, and offering an appeal if the employee is not satisfied with the outcome. Employers must also inform staff of their procedures.

Meanwhile, the new National Minimum Wage rates have also come into force, as follows:

• The main adult rate has increased from £4.50 an hour to £4.85
• The development rate has increased from £3.80 to £4.10
• A new rate for 16 and 17-year-olds of £3.00 an hour has been introduced.

For information on all of the new regulations, visit the DTI's Employment Relations website (http://www.dti.gov.uk/er/regslist_2004.htm)

PLEASE CONTACT US ABOUT OTHER NEWS ITEMS FROM WA1 to WA84

Walderslade Accounting have invested in a monthly subscription service provided by leading accounting industry experts. We are licensed to pass this benefit onto our existing clients to keep them right up-to-date with emerging tax rules and potential benefits to businesses.

If you are not an existing client: If you are not an existing client of Walderslade Accounting Services, you too can benefit from these Monthly News Memoranda's, simply click here to contact us for further information.