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Recent highlights

Green Paper on Labour Law – European Commission consultation

The European Commission is holding a consultation on its Green Paper on Labour Law, “Modernising labour law to meet the challenges of the 21^st century”. Europe and BERR

Flexible Working - The right to request and the duty to consider

The right to request flexible working will be extended to carers of adults with effect from 6 April 2007. We have now revised the guidance on how the law works to explain how it will apply to such carers. Flexible Working Guide

Government publishes response to consultation on additional paternity leave and pay.

The Government has published its response to the public consultation on the detail of additional paternity leave and pay. Additional paternity leave and pay will entitle employed fathers to a new right of up to 26 weeks Additional Paternity Leave, some of which could be paid, if the mother returns to work. Additional Paternity Leave and Pay

Government publishes response to consultation on flexible working regulations, which extends the right to request flexible working to carers of adults.

The Government has published its response to the public consultation on the draft flexible working regulations. From April 2007 carers of adults will have the right to request flexible working.  Regulations will be laid before the end of the year.  The Guidance will be published at least 3 months before the regulations come into effect. Responses to the public consultation on draft Flexible Working Regulations

Union Modernisation Fund

Jim Fitzpatrick announces the launch of Round Two of the Union Modernisation Fund. Union Modernisation Fund

Individual Employment Rights

A new guide has been launched explaining individual rights and responsibilities of employees. Individual Employment Rights

Redundancy consultation and notification-Guidance (URN 06/1965) -

On 12 October 2006, the DTI published revised guidance on collective redundancies which contains additional advice on when to begin and conclude the redundancy consultation process. Redundancy consultation and notification - Guidance

New rights for working mothers -

Paid maternity leave for working mothers will increase from six months to nine months, under new legislation introduced on 1 October 2006. Statutory maternity pay, maternity allowance and statutory adoption pay will increase from six months to nine months for babies due on or after 1 April 2007, or adoption placements from that date. The amount of notice required for a change to the date of return from maternity leave will be doubled to two months. Guidance Giving Information on the Rights for Pregnant Women

Age discrimination – From 1 October 2006, Age discrimination at work is now illegal under new regulations that protect workers of all ages and give important rights and responsibilities to every employer and employee in Britain. The new laws mean businesses can no longer discriminate on the basis of age in recruitment, promotion or training matters. Unjustified retirement ages of below 65 are now banned, although the age at which people can claim their state pension is not affected, and the current age limits for unfair dismissal and redundancy rights have been removed. Equality and Diversity: Age Discrimination in Employment and Vocational Training