Feature Articles

At the time of writing this article, the actual date that the UK leaves the EU is still somewhat of a mystery for all of us and the consequences of Brexit are causing the UK Government to review many different pieces of legislation in order to make sure that existing UK laws will continue to function after EU exit day. One area of particular concern for enforcement authorities and road transport businesses alike is the control of drivers’ working hours and the tachograph equipment used to record them. Andrew Woolfall of Backhouse Jones solicitors takes a look at the new UK legislation.

This feature summarises the key laws in commercial transport that are affected by Brexit. Due to the current uncertainties over when the UK is set to leave the EU, this timetable will be updated again when the situation becomes clear.

Stuart Chamberlain, author and senior employment consultant at Croner-i, considers the implications for employment law and immigration if the Government is unable to obtain Parliament’s approval for withdrawal from the EU and there is “no deal” when the UK leaves the EU. He distinguishes between the short-term and long-term effects and implications and offers some advice to employers.

Richard Pelly and Christopher Wagner of Pellys Transport & Regulatory Law look at the importance of nominated transport managers ensuring their knowledge are up to date.

On 8 April 2019, the London Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) came into effect covering the same area as the Congestion Charge and with stricter emissions standards for heavy vehicles than the existing Low Emission Zone (LEZ).

An employer may only take on an individual to work if they have the right to work in the UK. This article by Stuart Chamberlain is intended as a general guide and update on the right to work in the UK for employers.

In April, new employment laws will force organisations to change how they work. There will be hikes in the National Living Wage (NLW) and National Minimum Wage (NMW), bigger pension contributions and a major overhaul to payslips. Listed below are the legal changes businesses need to know about, with advice on how to prepare for the upcoming changes. For professional advice on dealing with any HR or payroll matters, speak to a qualified consultant on our helpline on 0844 561 8149.

From 6 April 2019, the legal right to receive an itemised payslip will be extended to all workers, not just employees. The new right applies to payslips covering pay periods which begin on or after 6 April 2019. Furthermore, additional information must be shown on a payslip for workers whose pay varies depending on the number of hours that have been worked. Paul Tew, small business consultant and freelance advisor, looks at what employers need to do to plan for achieving compliance with these new statutory requirements.

Gordon Humphreys of Foster Tachographs Limited takes a look at the details of this complex aspect of the law, especially where drivers are mixing with EU Drivers’ Hours Regulations.

In two months’ time, the UK is set to leave the EU with, at the time of writing, no deal agreed regarding the future relationship. Richard Smith looks at the current options and at any plans that can be made based on a degree of certainty.