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Employment Law Update

Holidays

 From April 2009 holiday entitlement will go up to 5.6 weeks giving a maximum of 28 days; this allowance can include bank holidays.  Employers who already give 28 days do not have to give any extra.  This is the statutory entitlement, although employers will be able to give extra days as part of their own contractual terms.  There is not a statutory entitlement to bank holidays.

 

Maternity

 For babies born after 5 October 2008, a woman on maternity leave will be entitled to all the terms and conditions of her contract, such as gym membership, company car etc.  The adoption changes will mirror the changes to maternity leave.

 

Flexible Working

 Recommendations have been made to the Secretary of State that the extension to the right to request flexible working will be available to parents of children who are 16 and under.  It is likely this will take effect from April 2009.

 

Agency Workers

 The Government has agreed with unions and employers on an equal treatment for agency workers after 12 weeks in continuous employment.  Equal treatment will be defined to mean at least basic working and employment conditions.  The Government will consult with European partners regarding the implementation of the Directive.