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What’s on the horizon? Employment Law in 2019

  1. 29th March 2019 ‘BREXIT Day’ – Deal or No Deal?

Regardless of whether the UK leaves the EU with a deal, our employment laws and rules regarding employing EU Nationals will change sooner or later. Whilst the current right to Free Movement of Workers will technically end following the UK’s withdrawal, the right will be preserved whilst the UK repeals and replaces the current arrangements; all of which will take time.

 

Whilst wholesale changes to current employment laws is not expected following BREXIT, some laws may be changed that are unpopular for businesses i.e. Agency Worker and TUPE Regulations.

 

Watch this space for further updates….

 

  1. National Minimum & Living Wage

The increased rates will apply from 1st April 2019:

 

Apprentice£3.90
Age 16-17£4.35
Age 18-20£6.15
Age 21-24£7.70
Age 25 and over£8.21

 

  1. Itemised Pay Statements for Workers

Currently only employees have the right to receive an itemised pay statement. From 6th April 2019, this right will extend to workers.

 

  1. Increase in Statutory Payments

With effect from 6th April 2019, Statutory Sick Pay will increase to £94.25 per week and the rates for Statutory Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared Parental and Maternity Allowance will rise to £148.68 per week.

 

  1. Taxation on Settlement Payments following 6th April 2019

The cost of termination payments may increase for employers. Currently, employers are only required to pay income tax on termination payments in excess of the £30,000 tax-free threshold. From 6th April 2019, employers will also have to pay class 1A National Insurance Contributions on these termination payments.

 

  1. Various Government Consultation Papers

Redundancy Protection for Pregnant Women and New Parents

Proposals are being considered to extend protection against redundancy for women returning from maternity leave to 6 months. Additionally, the protection may be extended to others, including men, who return from adoption or parental leave.

 

 

 

Re-introduction of Employment Tribunal Fees?

The Ministry of Justice has hinted at reintroducing fees following the Supreme Court declaring them unlawful in 2017. A balance between funding the Tribunal Service and not preventing access to justice for individuals needs to be achieved.

 

Employment Status

Guidance from the Government is expected later this year.

 

Watch this space…

 

For specialist employment law advice and assistance, please contact our Coventry based Employment Law Solicitors:

 

Email:  Lianne@askewslegal.co / Jake@askewslegal.co