We have set out the proposals in the recent Queen’s Speech that impact on employment law below:
- a Deregulation Bill to reduce the burden of unnecessary legislation on businesses. The Bill will, among other things, remove employment tribunals’ power under the Equality Act 2010 to make wider recommendations in successful discrimination cases and exempt self-employed people from health and safety law if their work activities do not pose a potential risk of harm to others;
- a National Insurance Contributions Bill will create a new Employment Allowance to cut the cost of employment. From April 2014, every business and charity will be eligible for a £2,000 allowance, which will reduce their employer NICs bill;
- an Immigration Bill will, among other things, enable tougher action against businesses that use illegal labour, including more substantial fines; and
- a Pensions Bill will introduce a single-tier pension system, increase state pension age to 67 (to take place between 2026 and 2028) and provide for its regular review. The Bill will also abolish short-service refunds for defined contributions trust-based schemes for people who leave a scheme within two years, and allow for automatic transfers so that someone’s pension pot will follow them if they move to a new job; and
- changes to apprenticeships to ensure that they are rigorous, responsive, and meet the changing needs of the economy.
Paul Burton, Employment Solicitor, says "Get in touch if you need more information on this topic. You should find the other articles in June's employment newsletter of interest."
For a free initial meeting please call 01202 499255 and Kate or Paul will be happy to discuss any questions you may have.