Any business which is operating in the United Kingdom should make sure that it has adequate legal advice. Failing to adhere to the law can result in costly fines for businesses, and ignorance of the law is not an acceptable excuse. As a business owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your business complies with all of the relevant rules and regulations.
What are Employment Laws?
Employment laws are the laws which govern how companies recruit, train, retain, and get rid of their employees. These laws are designed to protect the rights of employees and to ensure that they are not unfairly disadvantaged for any reason. These laws may also be designed to protect other vulnerable groups, such as children, who may come into contact with employees.
Examples of employment laws include; regulations on pay, including sick pay; holiday allowances; redundancy rules; pensions; parental/adoption leave; unfair dismissal; discrimination policies; rights of union membership; and working hours restrictions.
Professional Conduct Issues
Professional conduct issues relate to the ways in which representatives of an organisation conduct themselves when they are at work. In some cases, professionals are also expected to abide by these rules when they are outside of the workplace as well. Professional conduct issues can include ethics and behavioural constraints. For example, doctors are expected to keep their patient’s medical records confidential at all times. Failures to meet expected professional conduct standards can lead to the dismissal of an individual involved; however it must be clear what standards are expected of an individual.
In some cases, professional conduct issues can be so serious that they lead to an individual being “struck off” by their primary regulatory body. For example, if a solicitor makes serious professional conduct errors, then they may be struck off by the Law Society. This means that they will no longer be able to practice law in this country as a solicitor. Professionals who are struck off can appeal the decision.
Business Regulations
There are a large number of different business regulations in play in the United Kingdom. Some of this legislation is unique to the United Kingdom, whereas other pieces of legislation have been created by the European Union and are shared by all countries within this organisation. The regulations which affect each business will strongly depend upon the size of the business, what sector that business operates in and where that business trades. For example, if the business also trades in foreign countries, then the business must also meet the rules and regulations of that country too.
Failing to meet the appropriate legislation can lead to fines, penalties and even jail time for a natural person who is considered to be legally liable for the actions of employees. A company may even be forced to close if it does not meet the regulations which are set out.
Regulations, Laws and compliances for Business
Business advisors and commercial solicitors are the best people for small, medium and large businesses to speak to if they want to make sure that they are compliant with rules and regulations in the United Kingdom. If your company works overseas at all, then you may want to consult with an international business advisor who specialises in the areas that you trade in.
You may also be able to receive support from the Chamber of Commerce for the UK or for the particular area where you trade. Although some Chambers of Commerce support all businesses, others require businesses to pay membership fees if they want to access help and support. These fees may be worthwhile if they can help you to comply with necessary rules and regulations.