Legislation / Legal
TfL: Visually impaired & other disabled people with trained assistance dogs will be able to use moving escalators legally for the first time on the Tube, Docklands Light Railway and London Overground thanks to the revision of a dated byelaw.
TfL has worked with the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association to devise a training course that means the byelaw can be updated and all trained assistance and police dogs will be allowed to use moving escalators. The Government has now approved the byelaws and they came into force on 5 October 2011.
For many years TfL was advised dogs should not be allowed to use moving escalators to prevent injuries, so under TfL's byelaws all passengers with dogs were required to carry them on escalators or use lifts or stairs instead.
Press release & links
BIS: Changes to unfair dismissal rules which could save nearly £6m a year for British business have been announced. The decision will see the qualification period for the right to claim unfair dismissal extended from 1 to 2 years. This will come into force on 1 April 2012.
Press release & links ~ CBI comment ~ CIPD comment
DH: From last week, the sale of tobacco from vending machines is prohibited across
Press release & links
ScotGov: The Scottish Government has published a paper outlining proposals for the future of legal aid provision. 'A Sustainable Future for Legal Aid' follows the recent publication of the Scottish Government's public spending plans for the next 3 years, and sets out proposals for maintaining a fair, high quality & equitable legal aid system which maintains public confidence at an affordable & sustainable level of expenditure.
Press release & links
NO: The Local Government Ombudsmen have highlighted flaws in the way councils decide to pursue bankruptcy for council tax debts. The LGO has published a report summarising their experience of complaints so that councils can avoid maladministration & advice agencies can identify suitable cases to refer on to the Ombudsmen.
