The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals ……………………………………………………………Policy News Journal
Employment Law & Guidance
Scotland Bill 2016 becomes an Act of Parliament 31 March 2016
Following much debate in the Houses of Parliament, the Scotland Bill has received Royal Assent and is now an Act of Parliament (law).
Following agreement by both Houses on the text of the Bill it received Royal Assent on 23 March. The Scotland Act 2016 fulfils the commitments made by the UK Government to devolve substantial powers to the Scottish Parliament. These will include the ability to set income tax rates and thresholds, control over a significant part of the welfare system and a wide range of other measures which will transform the Parliament at Holyrood into one of the most powerful devolved administrations in the world.
Recent CIPP news
Income tax rates to be frozen in Scotland - 22 March 2016
Back to Contents
Non-compete clauses in employment contracts under review 5 May 2016
The government is to investigate non-compete clauses which can be written into employment contracts and can prevent individuals from competing against their former employer or working for a competitor for a set period of time.
Business Secretary Sajid Javid has announced plans to look into employment rules that could be stifling British entrepreneurship by preventing employees from starting up their own business after leaving a job.
In a move designed to back even more small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country, the government is launching a call for evidence asking for views on what are known as ‘non-compete clauses’ – which can be written into employment contracts and can prevent individuals from competing against their former employer or working for a competitor for a set period of time, sometimes up to 9 months after leaving a firm. The clauses are only enforceable in a court of law if it protects a legitimate interest and is reasonable. However, there have been suggestions that they can hinder start-ups from hiring the best and brightest talent, so the government is asking for views from individuals and employers on whether this type of practice is acting as a barrier to innovation and employment. The move is the latest by the government to deliver on its pledge to make Britain the best place in Europe to innovate and start up a new business, with an Innovation Plan, setting out how the government can help make the UK a better place to turn ideas into new products and technologies, due to be published later this year.
The plan will look at a range of key areas, including how better regulation can drive innovation and opportunities to use the millions of pounds spent on public procurement every year to support new and exciting businesses.
UK businesses are being asked to give their ideas to feed into the new government Innovation Plan .
Back to Contents
Acas guide on sex discrimination in the workplace 5 May 2016
cipp.org.uk
Page 62
of 588
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker