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Jo Eccles, business adviser at the Forum of Private Business, provides a summary of the key changes that small businesses need to be aware of in October and also looks forward to the key changes that are on the horizon for next year.
Fathers’ right to time off for antenatal appointments
The Children and Families Act allows fathers-to-be, and partners of pregnant women, to take time off to attend two antenatal appointments with the expectant mother.
Changes to the National Minimum Wage (NMW)
With maximum penalties for non-payment of up to £20,000 and the possibility of being publicly named and shamed it is worth making a note of these changes.
The rates from October 1 will be:
- 21 years and over – £6.50 per hour
- 18-20 years – £5.13 per hour
- 16-17 years – £3.79 per hour
- Apprentice rate – £2.73 per hour.
Shared parental leave
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In essence both parents will be able to take shared parental leave and claim shared parental pay after the compulsory two-week maternity leave period. Before taking a block of leave (an employee can make up to three requests to take leave), an employee will have to provide the employer with eight weeks’ notice.
The scheme will also provide each employee taking shared parental leave with 20 KIT style days. Further, provided that the employee has not taken more than 26 weeks shared parental leave, he/she will retain the right to return to the same job.
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Susie Hughes © Shout99 2014
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