Employment Law 2005 Preview

This month we look ahead and highlight some of the employment issues which are likely to hit the headlines in 2005.

Probably the biggest change in employment law in 2005 will be the introduction of the Information and Consultation of Employees Regulations, which will come into force on 6 April. The Regulations will give employees the right to request that their employer enters into negotiations for an agreement, which will set out procedures for informing and consulting workforce representatives on a range of business issues. If an agreement is not reached within certain time limits, standard default provisions contained in the Regulations will apply. Though initially the Regulations will apply only to businesses with 150 or more employees, they will be gradually extended to apply to all businesses with 50 or more employees by April 2008. For employers who will be affected by the new legislation, entering into a voluntary information and consultation arrangement before employees