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Minimum Wage
The minimum Wage went up in October 2002 by a massive 10p per hour and is now £4.20 for those over 22 years of age. Workers aged between 18 to 22 will now be paid a minimum wage of £3.60.

Recovery of NHS costs from Employers
The Health Minister recently announced that employers responsible for causing accidents or injury to their employees may be liable for the costs of any NHS hospital treatment required by the injured employee as a result. The consultation document is available at www.doh.gov.uk/conulstations

Fixed Term Employees
The Fixed Term Employees (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) regulations 2002 came into force on 1st October 2002 and require businesses to provide the same pay and benefits to staff on fixed-term contracts as to comparable permanent employees. Benefits affected may include access to bonus and commission schemes, lack of promotion prospects and less favourable holiday arrangements.

Stress at Work
The Health & Safety Executives have launched a major new initiative on preventing workplace stress. Guidance is provided on steps to be taken to recognise and deal with work-related stress. For details of the initiative and assistance available see the Health & Safety Executive website at www.hse.gov.uk