Croner offers an update on some of the key legislation affecting directors in 2008
1 April 2008
Bill?: Street Works (England) Regulations 2007
Impact: These regulations aim to ensure utility works on roads are carried out without disruption and delay to street users. Authorities will also be able to target and reduce the disruptive effect of the same road being dug up repeatedly without respite. This will have the biggest impact on local authorities and construction firms contracted by utilities and the utility companies.
6 April 2008
Bill?: Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007
Impact: Organisations and government bodies face unlimited fines if they are found to have caused death due to their gross health and safety failures. Companies whose gross negligence leads to the death of individuals will now face prosecution for corporate manslaughter (corporate homicide in Scotland). Primarily a health and safety area, but all employers need to be aware. Penalties are potentially very damaging to the reputation and financial position of a business.
6 April 2008
Bill?: Noise at Work Regulations 2005
Impact: These regulations, in effect already for every other UK sector, now affect the music and entertainment sectors. The HSC is developing noise guidance and has set up Web pages dedicated to the needs of the music and entertainment sector. Practical solutions include the following: set an upper limit on noise levels. Position speakers away from workstations and aiming them towards the dance floor. Use absorbent materials wherever possible and include this as part of the design stage of a refurbishment. Provide "chill-out" space with lower noise levels where possible. Limit the amount of time spent by staff in noisy areas. Provide routine audiometry testing. If other control measures fail, offer personal protection equipment as a last resort.
6 April 2008
Bill?: Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes Regulations 2006
Impact: Employers must consult with current and prospective members, or their representatives, on significant changes to their occupational or personal pension scheme for a period of at least 60 days before the changes can be introduced. Affects employers with more than 50 employees from April 6, 2008. (Employers with more than 150 employees were affected from April 6, 2006, and employers with more than 100 employees from April 6, 2007.)
1 July 2008
Bill?: REACH (1st milestone)
Impact: The beginning of the six-month window when chemical manufacturers can pre-register their products. The REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) came into force on June 1, 2007 with some long transitional provisions.
1 December 2008
Bill?: REACH (2nd milestone)
Impact: The UK is required to have an enforcement and penalties regime in place no later than 1 December 2008.
To be decided
EU ministers failed to reach an agreement on legislation that would give new employment rights to agency workers. The new EU directive would give temporary workers, such as those employed through agencies, similar rights to permanent staff. The legislation will be discussed again in 2008.
