December Legislation – Don't Get Caught Out

A reminder that two new important pieces of employment-related legislation come into force today (1 December 2003), prohibiting discrimination in employment on the basis of sexual orientation, and prohibiting the use of hand-held mobile phones - and similar devices - during driving.

Tomorrow (2 December 2003), legislation comes into force which prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of religion or religious or similar belief.

Employers who turn a blind eye to these changes risk very substantial costs, if claims are made. So this is another reminder that to reduce risks, it makes sense to introduce tailored policies detailing the rules that apply in your workplace, to comply with this new legislation.

At the very least, equal opportunities and harassment policies should be updated and a mobile phone policy should be introduced, if you don't already have one. These policies should be adequately communicated to all of those that you employ. Training about what the policies mean, in practical terms, is also strongly recommended.

[Equal Opportunities Policy and Management Guide, version 1.0 (ISBN 1-900648-64-4, £29.99) and Driving at Work Policy and Management Guide, version 1.1 (ISBN 1-900648-29-6, £74.99), are available in MS Word and Adobe Acrobat pdf format as an electronic download from the Workplacelaw Network website - www.workplacelaw.net/policies - or by calling 0870 777 8881. 10% discount available to members of the Workplacelaw Network, BIFM, RICS, IFMA or RIBA. Please quote ref. 1319 when ordering.]
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