Skip to main content
Legal news

Employment Law changes - October 2014

James Stephenson James Stephenson
2 min read

Together with autumnal feelings, October is yet again bringing in employment law changes:

1. Increase to the national minimum wage

The following increases will take effect from 1 October 2014:

 

Rate from 01/10/2013

Rate from 01/10/2014

Aged 21+

6.31

6.50

Aged 18 - 20

5.03

5.13

Aged 16-17

3.72

3.79

Apprentice

2.68

2.73

2. Right to time off for antenatal appointments

As part of the new shared parental leave, fathers and partners of a pregnant woman will now be eligible for unpaid leave to attend up to two antenatal appointments.

This is expected to come into force as of 1 October 2014.

3. Mandatory Equal Pay Audits

As of 1 October 2014 the Employment Tribunal must now order an employer to carry out an equal pay audit if a tribunal finds that there has been an equal pay breach. This applies to all equal pay claims lodged on or after 1 October 2010. Micro businesses (those with fewer than 10 employees will be exempt).

There will be cash penalties for non-compliance and the results will be published unless there are legal reasons for preventing this.

4. Rights for army reservists increased

1 October 2014 is going to be a busy day; as of this day army force reservists will have further protection against unfair dismissal.

If any employee is dismissed because of their membership in the reserve force, the dismissal may be automatically unfair rendering the two year rule inapplicable.

Client feedback

Excellent response times, feel very supported by them, and give good, fair and impartial advice too when needed. Very professional.
Jessica
My Will was written during Wills Month via St Gemma's Hospice. The service was quick and efficient. I have only given 4 stars as there was an error in the original draft.
Anonymous
Found the process smooth and efficient. I was able to get information I required promptly and if not available immediately on the telephone then any messages left were replied to. Siddra Razaq and Tom McIlroy were responsible for the handling of my sale and I would certainly use them again.
Dianne
Monika in particular was very professional, efficient, friendly and helpful when drafting our wills
Brian
Very helpful and promptly anwsers emails as soon as.
Anonymous
Many of my family members have used Winstons Solicitors for their conyancing, over many years. I too have now used them and they did not disappoint. Samantha Robertson-Strong and Paulo Dos Santos were my main persons of contact. They were highly professional and very thorough, whilst maintaining an air of friendliness and approachability throughout. I cannot recommend them highly enough!
Mr T
Monika is extremely trustworthy, professional and experienced. Have very much felt in safe hands during a very difficult and stressful time of my life. Would highly recommend.
Zoe
Good Solicitors, helped couple times. Nice comunicion and people
Tadas
Contact James