The following updates to Employment Law should be noted for both employers and employees alike. Of course, if you need any assistance or advice as to how these amendments will effect your business then please call 01279 818280 and ask to speak with our employment law specialist, Simonne McIvor.
- On 6th April 2020 the Parental Bereavement Leave Regulations 2020 (draft) takes effect. It permits a parent to take up to two weeks paid leave on the death of a child under the age of 18. Needless to state, the notice periods in which a parent has to give the employer in order to take up bereavement leave is not straight forward so do not hesitate to speak to our advisers if you need guidance to apply for parental leave from your employer. Equally if you are an employer we can advise you how to ensure you remain compliant in applying the law during a stressful time for an employee.
- It is mandatory for all employers to issue all workers and employees with Statements of Particulars of Employment with effect from 6th April 2020. Previously this was issued to all employees only and within two months of the employee commencing employment. It is now extended to cover all workers and must be issued on the first day of the commencement of employment.
- Previously there were no deductions of National Insurance Contributions ("NIC") on payments which were represented to be payment for compensation for loss of employment where such compensation was in excess of £30,000.00 There were only tax deductions. With effect from 6th April 2020, the Employer will need to deduct NIC and tax contributions on all compensation for loss of employment where such amount is in excess of £30,000.00.
- The Government has issued strong guidance and advice to the public whilst the Covid-19 virus remains present. Everyone except key workers and essential staff is advised to work from home. The chancellor last week announced a package of offers to businesses to help out specifically those who will endure hardship. Details of such funding is available through the local authorities and HMRC. Since the situation is changing daily, the most prudent advice to businesses and companies is to comply with the government chief medical officer's guidance and recommendations to keep social distancing. Employees who are off work with Covid-19 virus are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay from the first day of reporting in to the employer as being unwell to attend the workplace. Employers may recover the Statutory Sick Pay from the Department of Works and Pensions unlike Statutory Sick Pay for non-Covid-19 virus sick pay. Other measures no doubt will follow for those who are self employed as and when the chancellor makes further announcements.
If further clarification is needed on these points, then please either email by clicking here or telephone 01279 818280
![](https://www.transportlawyer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/transport-employment-law.jpg)
More News and Insight
![Social Media – Have you Thought about your Employees’ Use? Social Media – Have you Thought about your Employees’ Use?](https://www.transportlawyer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/computer-800x600.jpg)
Social Media – Have you Thought about your Employees’ Use?
Social Media is all encompassing in the modern world, but although it brings many positives, it can place employers in vulnerable positions if their employees’ use is not carefully defined…
![Changes to the Clandestine Entrant Civil Penalty Scheme means a Stitch in Time Really Does Save Nine! Changes to the Clandestine Entrant Civil Penalty Scheme means a Stitch in Time Really Does Save Nine!](https://www.transportlawyer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/hgv-blur-800x556.jpg)
Changes to the Clandestine Entrant Civil Penalty Scheme means a Stitch in Time Really Does Save Nine!
The Clandestine Entrant Civil Penalty Scheme has been in place for over 20 years. It is designed to complement law enforcement activity against criminals who smuggle people into the UK illegally as well as deter those who decide to try to enter the country without permission…
![Driving in the UK? Read about the latest Rule Changes in 2024 Driving in the UK? Read about the latest Rule Changes in 2024](https://www.transportlawyer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/roundabout-night-800x561.jpg)
Driving in the UK? Read about the latest Rule Changes in 2024
Earlier this year various new driving laws were introduced, impacting both standard road users as well as HGV and PSV road users across England, Wales & Scotland. If you are driving in the UK, especially if you are a commercial driver, then you should ensure that you are aware of these amendments and new rules…
![Self-Driving Cars on UK Roads to be Reality by 2026 Self-Driving Cars on UK Roads to be Reality by 2026](https://www.transportlawyer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/road-morning-800x600.jpg)
Self-Driving Cars on UK Roads to be Reality by 2026
It seems that one of the first areas that will be breaking the ground in the AI revolution into most people’s everyday lives will be Self-Driving cars! Of course we have heard all this before, and more than once!
![Are You Taking your Responsibilities to Maintain your Vehicles Seriously? Are You Taking your Responsibilities to Maintain your Vehicles Seriously?](https://www.transportlawyer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/lorry-underside-800x600.jpg)
Are You Taking your Responsibilities to Maintain your Vehicles Seriously?
Running a haulage business is not an easy undertaking. There are a multitude of decisions to be made on a daily basis before any driver actually gets behind the wheel and delivers the goods (or passengers!).
![Update to the Guide to Registering & Operating Local Bus Services in England & Wales Update to the Guide to Registering & Operating Local Bus Services in England & Wales](https://www.transportlawyer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/psv-head-on-800x600.jpg)
Update to the Guide to Registering & Operating Local Bus Services in England & Wales
The Senior Traffic Commissioner’s guide to registering and operating local bus services in England and Wales is intended to help operators of local bus services understand the requirements for registering a service.
![Changes to the HGV & PSV Test Regime for Earned Recognition Operators Changes to the HGV & PSV Test Regime for Earned Recognition Operators](https://www.transportlawyer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/lorry-tyre-maintenance-800x600.jpg)
Changes to the HGV & PSV Test Regime for Earned Recognition Operators
In March 2021 the Government began a review into the processes for commercial vehicle testing to look at ways it could improve the regime for operators whilst still maintaining high safety standards for any vehicle used commercially on the UK’s roads.
![Employment Law Updates for 2024 Employment Law Updates for 2024](https://www.transportlawyer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/employment-law-banner-800x600.jpg)
Employment Law Updates for 2024
The Government has confirmed several legislative employment law changes to be implemented 2024, which aim to bring about a “fairer workplace for employees”.
![Campaign to Bar Schools from using Section 19 Permits Campaign to Bar Schools from using Section 19 Permits](https://www.transportlawyer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/road-overhead-800x600.jpg)
Campaign to Bar Schools from using Section 19 Permits
In March 2024 a campaign was started to end the operation of minibuses by schools and colleges under Section 19 permits.
![Moving to a Digital First Approach in Heavy Vehicle Testing Moving to a Digital First Approach in Heavy Vehicle Testing](https://www.transportlawyer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/lorry-tyre-inspection-800x600.jpg)
Moving to a Digital First Approach in Heavy Vehicle Testing
The DVSA has published an update to their digital transformation project for heavy vehicle testing. The update is for the new Manage Your Vehicle Testing (MyVT) digital service across vehicle testing.
![Traffic Commissioner Highlights Abuse of Section-19 Permits Traffic Commissioner Highlights Abuse of Section-19 Permits](https://www.transportlawyer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/psv-side-profile-800x600.jpg)
Traffic Commissioner Highlights Abuse of Section-19 Permits
In a Section 19 Public Inquiry hearing heard last year (2023) the Traffic Commissioner highlighted again the importance of permit operators ensuring that their vehicles allow passengers and other road users to be safe.
![Enero Logistics Ltd – the Law for Operators on Agency Drivers Enero Logistics Ltd – the Law for Operators on Agency Drivers](https://www.transportlawyer.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/wheel-and-dash-800x600.jpg)
Enero Logistics Ltd – the Law for Operators on Agency Drivers
At one time or another, many transport companies need to rely on the services provided by agency drivers, to best cope with sudden fluctuations in demand or to fill driver shortages. This allows for the undisrupted continuation of services by these organisations.