one in, one out rule for regulations
The Government has announced details of a new
"one-in, one-out" approach to regulations starting from 1 September
2010. Subject to limited exceptions, ministers will not be able to
introduce new regulations with cost implications without
identifying current regulations with an equivalent cost which may
be removed. Regulations made in response to emergencies or to
address systemic financial risks will be excluded from the
rule.
The rule initially applies to domestic
legislation and, as many employment rights emanate from EU law, it
is not clear how much impact this will have on employment laws to
begin with. However the Government has confirmed that it is
reviewing specific areas of burdensome regulations in the context
of employment and health and safety laws - of which the right
to request time off for training is one example. The Government
has not yet confirmed its plans regarding additional paternity
leave, which is already in force for employees with babies due on
or after 3 April 2011 but which has also been called into question,
at least in its current form.
