The Unstoppable Flood!

In a recent article we said that Enduring Powers of Attorney were to be replaced by Lasting Powers of Attorney in April. As soon as the article went to press, however, it was announced that the change had been deferred until October. Apparently the peace of mind created by people sorting out their affairs in the event of disability is very high on their list of priorities. We have never before had so many responses to an article.

The Companies Act 2006 is now in force and many of its provisions will be phased in over the next twelve months. It is one of the biggest pieces of legislation ever (with 760 pages and 1,300 Sections!) and, amongst other things, it brings in substantial changes in the obligations of directors, particularly towards employees, the environment, suppliers, customers and others. You will hear much more about this legislation and its effects in the near future.

In addition to this legislation, there are further EU-initiated regulations, which came into effect at the beginning of January, affecting companies and LLPs and relating to information that must now be put on websites, electronic communications, emails etc. – it seems that many people are still unaware of these new requirements.

And, the beat goes on! At the beginning of April we are about to be hit by the next dose of six-monthly changes to employment law. Among other things, rates of allowances, payments and levels of compensation are increasing, extended flexible working for carers of adults is introduced and there are fundamental changes to maternity rights and leave. It will also be unlawful to discriminate on the grounds of religion, belief or sexual orientation in the provision of good and services. We are running a series of seminars at the end of March about these changes.