Legislation and Compliance
Business Legislation
When running a business, there will be various laws and business legislation that you will need to comply with. These will vary according to the size and structure of your organisation, together with the nature of your business and the premises you operate from.
If you are not sure what legislation and compliance affects your business, please speak to Worcestershire Business Central today for guidance and support.
Types of Business Legislation
To summarise, here are a few of the key areas of legislation that most businesses will need to comply with:
Health and safety
The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW) is the primary occupational health and safety legislation in the UK and places a duty on all employers to ensure, where possible, the health, safety and welfare of their employees at work. As an employer, you will need to assess the potential workplace risks, make appropriate arrangements for emergencies and provide training for employees where necessary.
Employment law
As an employer you will need to be aware of the areas of employment law and may find it helpful to use the services of an employment lawyer to help you comply with the necessary laws. Employment law regulates the relationship between employer and employee and will cover topics such as:
- Recruitment
- Holiday pay and entitlement
- Maternity and parental rights
- Discrimination – including discrimination on the grounds of age, sex, race and religion
- Discipline
- Redundancy and dismissal
Data protection
You will need to follow laws on data protection if you use or store personal information. This includes data on employees, customers and account holders and to be compliant you will need to ensure this data is kept accurate, up to date and stored securely. If you collect personal data, you will need to let the individual know how you will use this information and ensure they have access to this information and can change it as appropriate.
Online and distance selling
If you sell goods online or via telephone or mail order you will need to provide certain information such as your contact details, a description of your goods or services, how to pay and delivery information. Following the sale, you will also need to confirm the purchase, explain how to terminate the contract and provide an address where complaints can be sent. Online retailers will need to comply with e-commerce regulations, known as the Electronic Commerce (EC Directive) Regulations 2002.
Environmental laws
Depending on the nature and location of your business, you may be affected by environmental legislation. Much of the current UK environmental legislation derives from EU Law. You may find that your business is affected by restrictions and protocols with regards to water, waste, pollution, conservation and contaminated land.
Need more information?
If you need help deciphering the business laws and legislation that may affect your business please call the Worcestershire Business Central team.
Call our team today on
01905 677 888