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Check you're up-to-date with October changes

Summer's over the nights are drawing in….and as usual, the arrival of autumn brings a further set of employment regulation changes for employers to get to grips with.  This follows the previous government's commitment to only bring in new employment legislation in April and October each year.

The big news this October is the introduction of the Equality Act, which will have a big impact on employers – see below for the most important details.  In addition, the National Minimum Wage will increase as usual, but the big change here is that 21 year olds will qualify for the full adult rate from 1st October.

Action you should take

  • Have a look at our information on the Equality Act, which gives you a quick overview of the changes;
  • Don't send out requests for medical information on job applicants.  Asking these questions before making an offer of employment becomes unlawful from 1st October;
  • Check that you're paying the correct National Minimum Wage rate to all your employees.

Change

Date

Key impact

Equality Act 2010

1st October 2010

Recruitment Procedures – Medical questions must not be asked until a job offer is made.

Harassment – Employees can makes a harassment claim against their employer just for witnessing the harassment of others.

Harassment by customers – Employees can claim against their employer for harassment by customers if it has happened twice before.

National Minimum Wage review

1st October 2010

21 year olds now qualify for the full adult rate of NMW