Checklist of October Regulation Changes Published

Small Business News

7^th October 2011

Small businesses can check how to comply with regulation changes introduced on 1 October, following the publication of online guidance by Business Link.

Most laws that affect businesses are implemented on one of two common commencement dates (CCDs) – 6 April and 1 October. The October CCD brings with it several reforms that small firms must comply with, and Business Link has published a summary.

The changes include:

• An increase in the national minimum wage rate – the rate for workers aged 21 or more is £6.08 per hour. The development rate (for 18- to 21-year-olds) is £4.98 per hour and the rate for 16- to 17-year-olds is £3.68 per hour.
• Agency worker rights – once an agency worker completes 12 continuous calendar weeks’ work with the same employer in the same role, they will be entitled to the same basic employment rights as permanent staff.
• Annual returns – there are changes to some of the information that companies are required to send to Companies House in their annual returns.

“The CCD is an important date in the business calendar and the Business Link website helps business people from all sectors understand how to comply with the changes.”

said BusinessLink.gov.uk programme director Ray Lambe.

“We recommend that people check the pages for clear guidance on the regulations that may affect them.”