This employment update is for guidance purposes only and should not be taken as a substitute for legal advice in respect of your own specific circumstances. It is published for the information of clients and provides only an overview of the regulations and proposals in force at the date of publication. No action should be taken without consulting the detailed legislation or seeking professional advice. Therefore no responsibility for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the material contained in this bulletin can be accepted by the authors or the firm.