This is the first of a series of monthly legal articles by law firm Hegarty Solicitors, with offices in Oakham, Stamford and Peterborough. Established in 1974, Hegarty Solicitors offers expertise across a wide range of legal services and the company's experienced and accomplished team of solicitors and legal advisors can put you, your business and your family in a strong position for the future.

With the new financial year now in full swing, we have seen several employment law changes being introduced and laid before parliament.

Martin Bloom, Partner and Head of the Employment Law department at Hegarty Solicitors, discusses the key employment law changes that employers and HR professionals should be aware of.

National Living Wage

On Monday 1st April the National Living Wage pay rates were increased and had a direct impact on approximately two million workers within the UK.

The hourly rate for 21 to 24 years old increased from £7.38 to £7.70 and the rate for 18 to 20 year olds increased from £5.90 to £6.15. 16 to 17 years olds will see an increase from £4.20 to £4.35 in their hourly rates. Apprentices are also affected by the rise in the National Living Wage and their hourly rates have increased from £3.70 to £3.90.

Itemised Payslips

The Employment Rights Act 1996 (Itemised Pay Statement) (Amendment) Order 2018 was laid before Parliament in February 2018 and came into force on 6th April 2019. As a result, nearly 300,000 workers will receive a pay slip for the very first time. The order requires employers to state the numbers of hours a worker is being paid for varied to the amount of time that a worker has done.

Workers will now be able to check if they are receiving the minimum wage, and if they are being paid in full on the correct rate.

Statutory Sick Pay Rate

The government made the decision to increase the statutory sick pay (SPP) rate from £92.05 to £94.25 on 6th April 2019.

Compensation Limits on a Week's Pay and Unfair Dismissal

Tribunal compensation limits and other statutory payments increased on 6th April 2019 after the Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order 2019 was laid before the parliament. The maximum limit on a week's pay increased from £508 to £525 and the maximum compensatory award for unfair dismissals increased from £83.682 to £86.444.

The new rates will apply where the date of termination falls on or after 6th April 2019. If the dismissal falls before 6th April, the old limits will still apply on the date on which the compensation is awarded.

New Statutory Rates

The new statutory rates were revealed by the government on 7th April 2019. The Statutory Maternity Pay, Statutory Paternity Pay, Shared Parental Pay and Statutory Adoption Pay all increased to £148.68.

To speak to Martin about any aspect of Employment Law please call 01733 295 632 or email [email protected].

Martin joined Hegarty Solicitors in 1979, where he qualified in 1981, and has been a partner since 1983. Martin was appointed as an Employment Judge in 1995 and presently sits in the South East region based at the Cambridge Employment Tribunal. His extensive experience means he can provide in-depth advice in all areas of employment law including employment contracts, consultancy agreements, unfair dismissal and discrimination claims as well as representation at Employment Tribunals. Martin is a member of the Industrial Law Society and the Employment Lawyers Association.