The new draft ACAS Code of Practice on Discipline and Grievance and its associated
guidance have been published. Consultation ends on 25 July. See discipline.
The government has confirmed that it intends to extend the right to request flexible
working to parents of those aged up to 16 years. See flexible working.
Agreement has been reached with the EU Employment and Social Affairs Council
on the opt-out of the 48 hour week - but with some changes. See working time.
The Council also reached agreement on the draft Agency Workers' Directive. The
current UK proposals are that this will give agency workers the right to at least the same basic working
and employment conditions as a permanent comparator after 12 weeks in a given job.
See agency workers.
The new rates for the National Minimum Wage, plus increases in the HMRC rates
for company car drivers can be found in our key statistics.