Small & medium business

Legislative News Roundup

Latest round up of changes to legislation affecting businesses - thanks to Business Link for providing this information.

Changes in additional adoption leave rights
From 23 July 2008, changes apply to additional adoption leave for adoptions expected on or after 5 October 2008

Extending consumer cancellation rights to "doorstep" contracts made with traders during solicited visits
From 1 October 2008, a cooling-off period and cancellation rights will apply to more goods and services contracts

Increased flexibility for Jobcentre Plus Work Trials
From 17 July 2008, the Jobcentre Plus Work Trials scheme will be extended from three to six weeks

Changes in shareholder information in the annual return
From 1 October 2008, new rules state whether or not to include shareholder names and addresses in annual returns

Companies Act 2006 accounts and audits - application to limited liability partnership provisions
From 1 October 2008, the company law provisions on accounts and audit will apply to limited liability partnerships

New national minimum wage rates - October 2008
From 1 October 2008, the national minimum wage for eligible workers will increase

New trade controls and licensing requirements for certain military goods
From 1 October 2008, new trade controls will apply to extra-territorial trading of certain arms and munitions

Large and medium-sized limited liability partnerships - changes in form and content of accounts
From 1 October 2008, accounts and audit requirements will be re-stated with some changes for medium and large LLPs

Changes in additional maternity leave rights
From 23 July 2008, changes apply to additional maternity leave for births on or after 5 October 2008

Mandatory company trading disclosures
From 1 October 2008, companies must disclose their names and other information at given locations or upon request

Small limited liability partnerships - changes in the form and content of accounts
From 1 October 2008, accounts and audit requirements will be re-stated with some changes for small LLPs

Reminder: Changes in consumer credit licensing, information and other provisions
From 1 October 2008, lenders must provide consumers with regular prescribed information about their credit accounts

Mandatory warning requirement for toys containing magnets
From 21 July 2008, magnetic toys on the market must display a warning about the dangers of magnets when swallowed

Mandatory picture health warnings on cigarettes and tobacco products
From 1 October 2008, picture health warnings must replace written warnings on all new and imported tobacco packs

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