Changes to statutory employment entitlements from April 2009

Effective from 1st April 2009, the statutory annual leave entitlement for all employees has been increased from 4.8 weeks to 5.6 weeks.  Effectively this is an increase from 24 days to 28 days per annum, although these figures can include bank holidays.     Employment Tribunal chairmen will be able to hear holiday pay and stage 1 equal value complaints sitting alone.

There is also an extension of the right for employees to request flexible working to cover all parents of children aged 16 and under.   This is likely to result in more burden on Employers who will face an increase in such flexible working arrangements.

Increased penalties come into effect for the enforcement of the National Minimum Wage.  The provisions of the Employment Act 2008 increases the penalties where Employers fail to comply with an enforcement notice and such breaches can now be dealt with in the higher courts.  HM Revenue and Customs will also be given wider powers of investigation in relation to any complaints.

Statutory Maternity, Paternity and Adoption pay increases from £117.18 to £123.06 per week effective 5th April 2009. Statutory Sick Pay increases from £75.40 to £79.15 effective 6th April 2009.

For further details, please contact Steven Eckett.