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HSE Press Release: E017:05 - 7 February 2005
The first annual statement of changes
to domestic occupational health and safety law on which the Health and
Safety Executive leads was published today.
From 2005, domestic changes will only be implemented on two days each
year - 6 April and 1 October.
This harmonisation of commencement dates should make it easier for
employers and employee representatives to implement and respond to
changes in occupational health and safety law and practice, helping to
increase clarity and awareness.
HSE Director General Timothy Walker said:
“This is what businesses say they want and HSE is pleased to be able to
join the initiative at an early stage. By bringing commencement dates
together, employers will be able to prepare better for changes. This
should particularly benefit small firms, who do not have the resources
to monitor changes to legislation.
We want to make it easier for changes to be implemented and ensure
people are aware of them. We are committed to being a good partner of
business and employees - today's publication is a statement of our
commitment to that partnership.”
The two common commencement dates apply to changes in occupational
health and safety law that arise from within Great Britain. The
commencement dates of regulations arising from Europe are not within
the control of HSE, but where appropriate HSE will seek to align them
with the two common commencement dates.
1. A copy of the statement of forthcoming health and safety regulations
for 2005 can be found on the HSE website at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/regulations
2. Further information on occupational health and safety laws and the
supporting framework is available at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/aboutus/index.htm.
3. In the 2004 Budget, the Government committed to explore the
introduction of common commencement dates (CCD) for domestic
legislation. The commitment originated from a Better Regulation Task
Force recommendation, and was part of the Government's Action Plan for
Small Business.
4. In 2004 the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) undertook a pilot
for domestic employment legislation and consulted publicly on the CCD
proposal. There was overwhelming business support for the introduction
of two commencement dates each year. (Details available at http://www.sbs.gov.uk)
5. On 2 December 2004, the Government’s Pre Budget Report announced
that CCD would be extended to all domestic legislation that impacts on
business. This would be phased in, starting in 2005 for legislation
covering health and safety, work and pensions, company and consumer
issues.
Call HSE's Infoline, tel: 0845 345 0055, visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact or write to: HSE InfoLine, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG
Journalists only: Kimberley Huggins
020 7717 6455
Ray Allger 020 7717 6179
Out of hours 020 7928 8382