OCTOBER is always a significant month for employment law. It is when changes take effect and these include, from 1 October 2015:

- An increase in the National Minimum Wage;

- A ban on smoking in cars in England, following the ban’s introduction in Wales. Smoking in any private vehicle is now prohibited if there are child (that is, under 18) passengers.

It is worth looking at your policies on smoking and company cars in light of this change.

- Sikh workers who wear turbans will be exempt from wearing safety helmets in all workplaces and not just on construction sites, as was the previous rule.

There are a few situations in which this exemption will not apply.

For more information on the changes and how they will affect you please contact Kirstie Johnson, solicitor and head of the Employment Department at Lamb Brooks LLP on 01256 305574 or email her at kirstie.johnson@lambbrooks.com.