New laws to help workers

THE Government is setting out what it describes as the biggest package of workplace reforms for over 20 years to meet the changing world of work.

Legislation is being introduced to give workers details of their rights from the first day in a job, such as eligibility for sick leave and sick pay and details of other types of paid leave, such as maternity and paternity.

The maximum fines following employment tribunals for employers found to have shown malice, spite or gross oversight will rise from £5,000 to £20,000.

Measures will also be taken to ensure that seasonal workers get the paid time off to which they are entitled.