Maternity Pay
The statutory rate for maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental pay rises in April this year from the current £156.66 to £172.48 a week, and statutory sick pay increases from £99.35 to £109.40 a week.
Bank Holiday
There is to be an additional bank holiday on Monday 8 May following King Charles III coronation on Saturday 6 May.
Strike measures
The government has replaced the Transport Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill launched in October last year with the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill. The new Bill has a broader remit, extending beyond the public transport sector to include:
- NHS and ambulance services
- firefighters
- education
- border security
- nuclear decommissioning plants.
The government is to consult the on safe staffing levels for fire, ambulance and rail services before putting the minimum levels into regulations but expects the remaining sectors to agree minimum levels with their trade unions, although the Bill allows it to produce regulations for these sectors too if organisations fail to reach agreement.
Workers identified as essential refusing to work would make a strike unlawful, opening up the possibility of dismissal for striking workers and civil proceedings for their unions. The Bill is already facing fierce opposition.
This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.
