Release date: March 2003

A number of changes will be introduced in April 2003 from the Employment Act 2002. For employers, the legislation could have an important impact on their business.

Employers need to be aware of changes and implementations to employee leave and pay particularly for the extended statutory maternity rights, new paternity rights, and new provisions for adoption and parental leave. Entitlement to many of the new rights is dependent upon the expected week of childbirth or adoption occurring after 6th April 2003.

Another possible impact for an employer is the right to apply for flexible working for parents of children aged under six, or disabled children aged under 18, and have been continuously employed for 26 weeks. Although the new legislation enables the right to apply to the employer to vary their terms of employment in order to work flexibly, it does not provide an automatic right, but aims to meet the needs of both parent and employer.

Chris Wiper heads an experienced commercial team at Close Thornton Solicitors, providing practical and professional advice on a broad range of legal issues. This article is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of the law or a substitute for seeking specific advice. For further information please contact Chris Wiper on 01325 466461 or email chris.wiper@close-thornton.co.uk.

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