Despite the Government’s commitment to reducing the regulatory burdens on business, there has been much confusion over the changes expected to take effect this April. The changes include the abolition of the default retirement age and statutory retirement procedure and the commencement of the general public sector equality duty and the positive action provisions in the Equality Act 2010.

A detailed consideration of both the changes that are taking place and those that were previously expected, can be found through links on our website.

Legislative changes in April 2011:

1 April

• Moratorium exempting micro and start-up businesses from new domestic regulation begins

3 April

• Additional paternity leave and pay regulations came into force on 6 April 2010 but apply to parents of children due (or matched for adoption) on or after 3 April 2011
• Statutory Maternity, Paternity and Adoption pay increases from £124.88 to £128.73

5 April

• The General Public Sector Equality Duty in S.149 of the Equality Act 2010 comes into force

6 April

• The default retirement age will be phased out and the statutory retirement procedure abolished
• The positive action in recruitment and promotion provisions in S.159 of the
• Equality Act 2010 comes into force
• The Equality Act codes of practice come into force
• Changes to the points-based immigration system- including a limit of 20,700 on the number of migrants entering the United Kingdom under Tier 2 (General)
• Tax changes for post-termination payments after a P45 has been issued
• Changes to tax reliefs for employer-supported childcare
• Statutory sick pay increases from £79.15 to £81.60

11 April

• Maternity Allowance increases from £124.88 to £128.73