October 2010 regulation changes
Common commencement dates
Most new UK national laws affecting businesses come into force on one of two common commencement dates (CCDs) each year - 6 April and 1 October. CCDs enable you to prepare your business for the introduction of new, amended or reduced requirements.
This page gives you an early snapshot of regulations expected to come into force in the October 2010 CCD. It will be updated as more information becomes available.
To keep informed of regulations affecting your business:
- see our section on regulation updates for detailed guidance on regulations that are about to or have recently come into force
- sign up to our regulation update email alert service for regulatory news and any other CCD regulations that might arise
Employment & skills
Equality and diversity: The Equality Act 2010 will harmonise all the various different strands of anti-discrimination legislation. While there won't be any major changes to the law, laws like the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 will no longer exist.
The national minimum wage (NMW) rate: The NMW for eligible workers will increase. The 'main' rate, which will rise to £5.93 an hour, will be payable for adult workers aged 21 and above - not 22 and above as it is currently. An apprentice minimum wage rate of £2.50 an hour will also be introduced.
Travel expenses and the NMW: Expenses paid for travel to a temporary workplace will no longer count towards NMW pay.
Your business sector
Construction
Building Regulations: Construction businesses will have to comply with changes to Parts F and J of the Building Regulations 2000. There will also be a new requirement to notify local authorities of CO2 emission rate calculations for newly erected dwellings.
Property
Residential property letting: The annual rental threshold at which a tenancy cannot be an assured tenancy or assured shorthold tenancy will increase from £25,000 to £100,000.
Retail
Food and alcohol retailing: Retailers will be able to sell non-pre-packaged bread and alcohol in any size.
Recruitment agencies and personnel supply
Employment agencies and employment businesses: These types of businesses will no longer be able to take up-front fees from photographic and fashion models for providing them with work-finding services. The statutory cooling-off period in respect of any up-front fee will also be extended from 7 to 30 days for the occupations of actor, background artist, dancer, extra, musician, singer or other performer.
Licensed premises
Licensing conditions: Pubs, bars, clubs etc will have to meet new conditions when selling or supplying alcohol.
A new CCD summary page is published ahead of 6 April and 1 October each year. It may be updated from time to time, with each new version published replacing the preceding one.
Submit a suggestion to improve regulation
Businesses can have a direct influence on how the regulations that affect them are devised and delivered. Suggestions can include cutting the amount of time you spend filling in forms, ideas on where regulations that overlap or contradict can be rationalised or regulations, which in your view, are unnecessary. Submit a suggestion to improve regulation with the Better Regulation Executive.
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