In this round up of recent news, we report on the consultation on legislation to implement the Agency Workers Directive, new guidance from BIS on resolving problems in the workplace and the next stage in the Government's review of the default retirement age.

Consultation on legislation to implement the Agency Workers Directive
Following on from the consultation in June this year on the Government's proposals to implement the Temporary Agency Workers Directive, the Government has launched a second consultation, this time on draft regulations to implement the Directive. The draft regulations are largely in line with the Government's original proposals and give agency workers equal treatment on basic employment conditions after 12 calendar weeks in a given job. At the same time, Lord Mandelson has confirmed that implementation of the Directive will be delayed until the latest possible date of October 2011 in order to cut the cost of business regulation. The consultation closes on 11 December 2009.

BIS guidance on problems in the workplace
BIS has published two new guidance leaflets aimed at helping employers and employees resolve problems in the workplace. The guidance leaflets, which have been produced by Citizens Advice and the Trades Union Congress, offer advice in relation to dealing with discipline, dismissal and grievance issues at work. The leaflet for employers also provides guidance on the key elements of the Employment Act 2008 and the Acas Code of Practice.

Government seeking evidence on default retirement age
The Government has launched a research project aimed at gaining an insight into employers' age-based practices and policies. The Government is seeking evidence from businesses and individuals on the practical operation of the current default retirement age (DRA) of 65, the potential impact of removing or raising the DRA, and how the costs of doing so could be mitigated. The Government is also interested in hearing from businesses that operate without a DRA. The project will form the basis of the Government's forthcoming review of the DRA, which has been brought forward to 2010. Responses should be submitted by 1 February 2010.

17 November 2009

« Back to Article index