Business Regulations

There are a number of rules with which businesses and employers need to comply. This section details the latest regulations to have come into effect.

Companies Act 2006

The Companies Act comprises approximately 1,300 sections and introduces new legislation which reflects the changing business environment.

New business regulations from 1 October 2011

A series of new business regulations came into effect on 1 October 2011. Here is our summary of some of the important legislation that may affect you and your business.

The Civil Partnership Act

The Civil Partnership Act 2004, and came into force on 5 December 2005.

Privacy ad electronic comunications

In accordance with regulations which came into effect on 11 December 2003, companies need to secure the advance permission of the recipient before sending marketing e-mails and text messages.

Consulting with your staff

The EC Directive on Informing and Consulting Employees gives many employees new rights to be consulted on key issues affecting the business or work organisation.

Disability discrimination

The Disability Discrimination regulations came into force on 1 October 2004. What do they cover? What do they mean for your business? Action to take.

The Enterprise Act, received Royal Assent on 7 November 2002, contains a number of measures aimed at modernising corporate insolvency law. Important reforms came into effect on 15 September 2003, as outlined below.

Chip and PIN regulations

From 1 January 2005, under the so-called 'liability shift', retailers who do not use the new Chip and PIN payment system could now be held liable in the event of fraudulent transactions which take place at the point of sale.

The Corporate Telephone Preference Service

The Corporate Telephone Preference Service was set up following the publication of the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) (Amendment) Regulations 2004, and came into effect on 25 June 2004.

The Pension Protection Fund

The Pension Protection Fund (PPF) and Pensions Regulator came into effect on 6 April 2005, with the aim of protecting workers' interests in the event that their employer becomes insolvent.

The Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005

These regulations govern the production and disposal of hazardous waste products.

Money Laundering Regulations (2003)

The Money Laundering Regulations new rules significantly extend the scope of the law to apply to a wider range of 'relevant business'.

The Employment Equality Regulations 2003

There are two sets of regulations: The Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 and the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003. What are they? What do they outlaw?

The tax treatment of mobile phones and computers

Chancellor Gordon Brown abolished the £200 taxable benefit.

A Day - 6 April 2006

A-Day was the popular name given to 6 April 2006, the starting date for the unifying rules for all occupational and personal pension schemes registered as qualifying for tax relief.