Here are some important developments to look out for in the first few quarters of 2007.

• The Department of Trade and Industry will publish its annual statement of forthcoming employment regulations
• Regulations are due to be drafted by the DTI proposing to increase statutory paid holiday entitlement to 5.6 weeks (28 days) from the 1st of October 2007
• The DTI will publish guidance concerning new regulations for carers on flexible working

• Employers should prepare for the Work and Families Act 2006 which applies to parents of babies expected to be born or adopted on or after 1 April 2007.
• Regulations implementing the annual increase in tribunal awards will come into effect on the 1st of February
• The low pay commission is to report on the impact of the recent minimum wage increase

• Companies dealing with the public sector should be aware that gender equality schemes will be implemented by the end of the month

April is a busy month with the following legislation and regulations coming into effect.

• The Work and Families Act 2006 will come into effect. This will have the following effects:

a) Paid statutory maternity and adoption pay will be extended to 39 weeks (52 weeks by 2009)

b) Additional maternity leave will be available to all employees

c) Employers will be allowed to keep reasonable contact with the employee on leave, permitting her to have 'keep-in-touch' days.

d) Employers will be given more notice of an early return to work.

• Smoking ban in public places (including workplaces) in Wales and Northern Ireland.
• ICE Regulations 2004 in respect of all undertakings with 100 or more staff.
• Occupational and Personal Pension Schemes (Consultation by Employers and Miscellaneous Amendment) Regulations 2006 impose consultation duties on employers in respect of significant changes.
• Flexible Working (Eligibility, Complaints and Remedies) (Amendment) Regulations 2006 extend the right to request flexible working to carers.
• Sex Discrimination Act 1975 imposes Gender Equality Duty on public authorities (in force 6 April), which have until 30 April 2007 to produce, publish and implement gender equality schemes for a period of up to three years.
• Regulations will increase rates for statutory benefits such as statutory maternity pay, statutory paternity pay and statutory sick pay.

• Draw up a smoking policy in consultation with staff in preparation for the smoking ban in public places (including workplaces) in England, due to be implemented on 1 July pursuant to regulations made under the Health Act 2006.