Welcome to the October edition of our newsletter, keeping you up to date with all the latest legal news.
Red Tape Day as it’s known has been and gone once again and this year, the 1 October legislation changes are plentiful. Here’s a brief run down:
The new Agency Workers Regulations are now in force which means any agency worker or contractor who works for you continuously for 12 weeks or more is entitled to the same employment benefits as your permanent employees. The National Minimum Wage (MNW) has increased to £6.08 per hour for workers aged 21 plus and to £4.98 for 18-20 year olds. There are hefty penalties for failing to pay the NMW so make sure you comply. In England, tobacco sales have been banned from automatic vending machines and in Wales, a levy of 5p on single use carrier bags has been introduced in an attempt to reduce waste.
Probably the most significant change is the abolition of the Default Retirement Age (DRA). If you have any workers around the age of 65, unless you informed them of their retirement date before 6th April this year, you won’t be able to force them out because of their age. They can of course retire if they wish, but you can no longer force the issue.
Neves News We are very pleased to announce that Katharine Barkas has joined our Milton Keynes office. Katharine is an experienced private client solicitor who is replacing Gail Donaldson at that office as Gail is now working for the majority of the working week at our Harpenden office. We are very pleased to confirm that earlier this month we were accredited with membership of the Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS). Membership of the scheme is a recognised standard of quality conveyancing practices, which requires firms to adhere to strict management practices and efficient conveyancing procedures. Partner Caroline Hume, who has been appointed as the Senior Responsible Officer and who took control of the application procedure said "We are delighted to be the first firm serving Herts, Bucks, Beds and Northants to have achieved this standard. We pride ourselves in the quality of the conveyancing service that we offer to our clients and this accreditation mark is recognition of this service. Its a rigorous application process which I think is key to ensuring the credibility of the scheme."
Our Family team remind you of an opportunity to attend a speed networking event on 20.10.11 at 4.30 pm for 5 pm at Bedfordshire Golf Club, Spring Lane, Stagsden, Bedfordshire MK42 8SR. This presents a great opportunity for you to share information about your business with specific reference to supporting people who are experiencing change in their lives; it might be to convert a house, improve a property to prepare it for sale, assess a client's financial situation and offer them advice on making financial adjustment, recruiting, training, or helping a person going through the problem of a separation to feel better about themselves. Bring your business cards. To book your place or for more information click here Seminar - 3rd November As mentioned in September's newsletter, we are hosting a seminar on 3rd November at our Milton Keynes office in conjunction with independent financial advisers Business & Personal Investment Limited. The seminar will cover topics relating to pensions and business ownership including: - Is your business ready for the New Pension Regulations?
- What would happen if your business partner died? Cross Option Agreements can help.
- Alternative Sources of Capital - borrowing from your pension fund.
See below for more information. Our round up of the top legal stories this month follows and you can keep up to date with all the latest legislation changes and legal news by visiting our website which is updated throughout the month. | 
If your business uses text messages, emails or telephone calls as part its marketing activity, failure to abide by new regulations could leave you facing a fine of up to £500,000. The Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) (Amendment) Regulations 2011, which came into force on 26th May, bring certain changes to the laws that cover direct marketing by electronic means. As a result, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) now has enhanced powers that allow it to investigate suspected breaches of regulations. We can help make sure your marketing policies comply with all the applicable laws, so do not hesitate to contact us for legal advice. You can read this story in full on our website. 
As of 1 October 2011, new National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates are in force. The adult hourly rate has increased from £5.93 to £6.08, the development rate for workers aged 18-20 has risen to £4.98 and the rate for workers aged 16 and 17 has increased from £3.64 to £3.68. Further rate changes have also been announced and can be found on our website. You can also find guidance on the payment of the NMW for interns and those undertaking work experience.
