HR Practical Solutions

Holidays and Sick Pay
Long Term Absence
- Employees can use accrued holidays if they have run out of SSP (Statutory Sick Pay).
- They cannot carry holidays over into the next holiday year (under UK legislation).
- Employees cannot use Working Time hours whilst off absent.
Holidays
- If an employee is on holiday and can prove they are/were sick, they can use their holidays at a later date and can use a self cert / GP note
GP Notes
- From April 2010 GPs have to sign 'fit for work' notes, either 'fit for work', 'not fit for work' or 'maybe fit for some work'.

The Equality Bill
Will be introduced on 24th April 2009 and expected implementation date by Autumn 2010.
Will harmonise all discrimination legislation into one, using 'protected characteristics'.
Further information regarding direct and indirect discrimination will be provided.
Further information regarding harassment, including third party will be provided.
Pay Secrecy Clauses will no longer be applicable for contract of employment.
Private sector employers will have to publish information regarding differences in pay between males and females if employ over 250 employees (power unlikely to be used before April 2013).
Public sector employers will have to provide gender pay gaps, ethnic minority employment rates and disability employment rates (again by 2013)

Maternity Legislation
Transfer of last six months of maternity leave from mother to father.
In force by April 2010, to take effect for parents of children due on or after 3rd April 2011.
To be taken in one continual block, 8 weeks notice of leave / return.
To be taken no earlier than 20 weeks from the date of birth and before the child's first birthday.
More details to follow regarding practicalities.

All information is general and further information should be sought through HR Practical Solutions Ltd or an Employment Law practitioner.