Health & Safety and Employment Law news

 

Health and Safety News

Changes introduced under the Health and Safety (Offences) Act 2008 have, according to a report published this year by the Department for Work and Pensions, led to higher fines and more custodial sentences for convicted offenders.  The average fine imposed for breaches of health and safety regulations has increased by 60% since 2008.  

 

Employment Law News

The Children and Families Act 2014 extends the right to request flexible working to all employees, with effect from 30 June 2014.  Eligible employees are those who have been working for a business continuously for 26 weeks.  An employee can only make one flexible working request in any 12 month period.  Employers are required to deal with the application in a reasonable manner and inform the employee of its decision within 3 months of the application.