NEWS IN BRIEF

A number of workplace rights came into effect on 6 April - one of two government common commencement dates each year, when important laws come into force.

Measures coming into force include:

• The right for all parents with children up to the age of 16 to request flexible working
• Automatic penalties for employers who underpay on the National Minimum Wage
• The repeal of the statutory dispute resolution regulations and their replacement by a simpler process contained in the new ACAS code of practice on discipline and grievance
• An increase in statutory sick pay to £79.15 and statutory maternity, paternity and adoption pay to GBP 123.06.

An extension in annual leave rights from 24 days to 28 days for all employees took effect on Wednesday 1 April.