A summary of legislative changes taking effect in April 2009

Updated March 2009

Various legislative changes across all areas of employment law are due to come into effect in April 2009. See below for a summary of each of these.

1 April 2009

Increase in statutory annual holiday entitlement
Statutory annual leave entitlement will increase from 4.8 weeks (24 days for full time employees) to 5.6 weeks (28 days for full time employees). Note that the minimum legal entitlement can currently include statutory bank holidays.

6 April 2009

Repeal of the statutory dispute resolution procedures
We have previously advised that the Employment Act 2008 will repeal the statutory dispute resolution procedures with effect from 6 April 2009.

BUT don't forget about the current procedures just yet! They will continue to apply in some cases.

Extension of right to request flexible working
This will extend the right to request flexible working to parents of children up to the age of 16. The government has stated that it intends to introduce this during April 2009 although the exact date is yet to be announced.

Increases in sick pay and maternity, paternity and adoption pay

• The weekly rate of statutory sick pay will be £79.15 (up from £75.40)
• The prescribed weekly rate of statutory maternity, paternity and adoption pay will be £123.06 (up from £117.18).

This publication is intended for general guidance and represents our understanding of the relevant law and practice as at March 2009. Specific advice should be sought for specific cases; we cannot be held responsible for any action (or decision not to take action) made in reliance upon the content of this publication.