2010 is set for a further raft of legal changes including VAT, Employment and Nationality laws. Bournemouth based “Legal 500” No.1 Ranked firm Steele Raymond LLP advises all local organisations to plan for a busy year of change and highlights how these changes will affect employers.
Value Added Tax
From 1 January 2010 the standard VAT rate returned to 17.5%. However, this is not the only change to VAT that businesses will need to bear in mind. From 1 April 2010, VAT registered businesses with an annual turnover of £100,000 or more (excluding VAT) will have to file their returns online and pay their VAT electronically. This method of filing and paying will extend to all businesses regardless of turnover who register for VAT on or after this date.
Right to request time off for training
In April 2010, employees will have the right to request time off for the purposes of training.Based on flexible working, the legislation will impose a legal obligation on employers to consider requests from employees for time off to train. However, employers will be able to refuse requests where there are “good business reasons” for doing so, and they are not obliged to meet the salary or costs of training during the time off. Initially, the right will be restricted to employees in organisations with 250 or more employees, with this right extending to all organisations in April 2011.
“Fit note” system to be introduced
Spring 2010 sees the introduction of The Social Security (Medical Evidence) and Statutory Sick Pay (Medical Evidence) Amendment Regulations 2010. Under these Regulations, doctors will be able to issue sick employees with a “fit note” which will outline what work an employee is capable of doing. The Regulations will also simplify the process of GPs issuing the notes – statements will be able to be printed by their practice’s computer system rather than being hand written.
Equality Bill
The Equality Bill seeks to strengthen and streamline the law on discrimination. Key features of the Bill include changes to disability discrimination, broadening the meaning of harassment and improved transparency on gender pay gaps. The new provisions will give tribunals greater scope to make recommendations following a finding of discrimination. Royal Assent for the Bill is expected in Spring 2010.
Tim Stone, Head of Steele Raymond LLP’s Company/Commercial Department says: “In addition to those items mentioned above, there are changes on the horizon regarding paternity leave and pay, lengthening paid maternity leave and new data protection laws. As with all change, good advice and advance planning will assist businesses in managing and controlling the impact of new legislation on their organisation.”
For further information, please contact Tim Stone at Steele Raymond LLP on 01202 294566.
