October 2011

Changes in employment law this year include substantial changes to employment tribunal procedure from 6^th April 2012, and the requirement for larger employers to enrol some employees into pension schemes from 1^st October 2012. 

A Working Time Directive Waiver or working time directive opt-out agreement can be used where an employee agrees to work longer than the 48-hour limit.

The new Agency Workers Regulations have an effect on the relationship between agency, workers, and hirers. They are designed to provide increased protection to agency workers, giving them equal access to amenities at work and the same right to basic working and employment conditions as those enjoyed by workers recruited directly by the hirer. 

A company handbook, sometimes also known as an employee handbook or staff handbook, is a book given to staff by the employer.