Recent Regulatory Changes
Recent and upcoming regulatory changes are listed below
New Corporate Manslaughter Legislation
The new Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 comes into effect on 6th April 2008. This new Act seeks to amend failings in existing legislation where it is difficult to prosecute large organisations due to the need to indentify the individual people in the organisation that were responsible for a breach in the duty to care to employees or customers. The new law therefore makes it easier to convict organisations whose senior managers have breached their duty of care and caused the death of an employee or customer by holding all employers accountable for the actions and decisions of their senior managers. In addition, the new legislation increases the penalties for convicted companies and they may be forced to publicise their offence.
It is therefore more important than ever that all businesses revise their health and safety policies and procedures. In doing so they should:
· Identify potential areas for risk and address them immediately
· Check all health and safety policies are up-to-date and regularly reviewed
· Ensure all staff are trained in health and safety and are aware of the implications of the new legislation.
For more information go to the Ministry of Justice site here
Taxes & Finance
Taxes & Finance
The Companies Act 2006 commences on 1 October. This aims to simplify the roles and duties of boards and directors.
A document explaining these changes can be viewed here
There will also be changes in the way VAT invoicing is to be completed for companies dealing with companies in other EU member states or for those who use Tour Operators' Scheme.
Further clarification can be viewed here
Employment
National Minimum Wage is to rise to £5.52 per hour for adults; £4.60 for 18-21 year olds and £3.40 for 16-18 year olds.
Annual leave entitlement is to rise by four days to 4.8 weeks or 24 days.
The right to request flexible working arrangements will be extended to private foster carers and people with residence orders.
Environment
Government inspectors have new powers of entry to premises to monitor for zoonoses - i.e. diseases that can be passed from animals to humans. This will have an impact on zoos, animal parks, farms and any attraction or business that has animals.
Retail
The legal age at which people can buy tobacco products went up to eighteen on 1st October. All vending machines must carry the appropriate signage.
Smoking
The ban on smoking in all enclosed public spaces came in to force on 1st July 2007. This applies to all businesses in the tourism sector and there are very exceptions. To find out more visit smokefreeengland.co.uk
Equality
The new sexual orientation regulations came in to force on the 30th April 2007. The new rules legislate against discrimination in the provision of goods and services based on sexual orientation.
More information on the regulations can be found on the Department of Communities and Local Government's website here