Legislation / Legal
BIS: Plans for greater business flexibility & quicker resolution for workplace disputes have been announced later by the Business Secretary, Vince Cable. In his opening speech at the second reading of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill, the Business Secretary set out the Government’s plans to introduce a measure to boost business confidence and ease the handling of workplace disputes through facilitating the use of settlement agreements between employers & employees.
Published on 23 May 2012, the Bill contains measures improving the employment tribunal system, setting up the new Competition and Markets Authority, enshrining the green purpose of the UK Green Investment Bank, on directors’ pay and other measures aimed at helping long term growth. The Bill continues its passage through Parliament.
Press release & links ~ Enterprise & Regulatory Reform Bill ~ CIPD comments on settlement agreements
HMRC: More than 2,400 people have registered to disclose unpaid tax under the Liechtenstein Disclosure Facility (LDF) with £363m already paid in tax bills, HM Revenue and Customs announced last week. The LDF is now expected to bring in up to £3bn by 2016 based on the current numbers of disclosures.
ScotGov: Legislation will be considered to ensure that communities across Scotland have access to learning opportunities needed to develop skills & help people into jobs. Education Secretary Michael Russell has indicated legislation for local authorities will be explored as part of the Post-16 Education Bill to support the government’s commitment to provide access across the country to crucial services such as youth clubs, parenting classes, English language tuition and groups starting up social enterprises.
The move coincides with the recent publication of guidance which aims to ensure community learning & development opportunities are more closely aligned with the aspirations & needs of individuals, families & communities.
Press release ~ ScotGov: Community Learning & Development ~ Strategic Guidance for Community Planning Partnerships: Community Learning and Development
DECC: The Government has set out secondary legislation that will give industry the green light to bring the Green Deal energy efficiency market into operation, alongside measures to strengthen consumer protection, reduce industry burdens, and implement the Energy Company Obligation (ECO).
DfE: Plans to strengthen the law so children continue to see both parents if they separate have been put forward by ministers (consultation closes on Wednesday 5 September 2012) – See ‘Consultations’ section for more information.
