1. Marianne Meinke 26 February 2004 Chartered Institute of Building I’m a small business … and I am passionate about legislation!

2. Employment legislation - information sites www.dti.gov.uk/er/ www.acas.gov.uk/ www.hse.gov.uk www.employmentbuddy.com www.businesslink.gov.uk www.drc.gb.org www.eoc.org.uk www.ciob.org.uk

3. A few cost savings … Legislation establishes standards which help employers and employees Written particulars required by law have the effect of saving management time Legislation requires policies and procedures Educating staff is vital

4. How to get it right The contract may be formed from: Written terms of employment (express terms) Company procedures Company policies Statutory Rights Conduct of the parties Implied terms Variation is by consent of the parties

5. Think of a time When you were unhappy at work Perhaps you were bullied? Perhaps you were seen as a threat? Perhaps your job changed significantly without your agreement? Perhaps you were not provided with necessary training to do your job, or denied promotion?

6. Discrimination There have always been laws protecting employees from the discrimination. European legislation has extended these. A DTI report suggests that non white people are twice as likely to be discriminated against.

7. Coming changes  Disciplinary procedures.  Grievance procedures.  Generally employers will probably find existing procedures are satisfactory. Failure to follow procedure will be more costly. Equal pay – greater focus from Europe. Research – has shown that the pay gap is actually widening in certain areas.

8. Family friendly policies Maternity Adoption Paternity Parental leave Flexible working

9. Working Time Directive Maximum working hours 48 hours per week over 17 week period Opt out may be signed if more hours are worked Employers may be fined £2000 for failure to keep records Excessive hours lead to stress