Legal

• How can changes to the law affect businesses?

  They can restrict behavior and create opportunities
• What is the key legislation for employment rights?

  Employment rights legislation
• What must be provided to employees within two months of starting employment?

  A written contract of employment
• What must the employment contract state?

  Levels of pay, holiday entitlement, and rights
• What does the Equality Act 2010 protect against?

  Discrimination in the workplace and society
• Which grounds are illegal for discrimination under the Equality Act 2010?

  Age, race, sex, sexual orientation
• What does company law regulate?

  How private and public companies operate
• What does consumer protection law cover?

  Safety of goods, labelling, return rights
• What does intellectual property law cover?

  Legal rights for designs and inventions
• What does trademark legislation protect?

  Designs, artwork, and brand logos
• What can infringe a trademark?

  A similar design causing consumer confusion
• What does patent law cover?

  Inventions and rights of the inventor
• How long is the typical patent period?

  Normally 20 years
• What happens if a business infringes a patent?

  They must pay damages and face injunctions
• What rights does copyright law give creators?

  Control over how their material is used
• What is illegal without the owner's consent under copyright law?

  Copying, renting, or adapting the work
• What does competition law regulate?

  How businesses compete in the market
• What is data protection concerned with?

  How personal data is used and secured
• What must businesses have according to data protection laws?

  A Data Protection Officer
• What are the requirements for handling personal data?

  Used fairly, accurately, and kept secure
• What can happen to businesses that fail to protect data?

  They can face large fines
• What is the employer's duty under health and safety law?

  Ensure the well-being and safety of employees
• What must employees do under health and safety law?

  Take reasonable care and follow rules
• What does environmental law regulate?

  Business activities affecting the environment
• What is the minimum wage?

  The lowest amount an employer can pay
• When was the National Minimum Wage introduced?

  In April 1999
• How often is the legal minimum wage reviewed?

  Every year
• What are the advantages of the minimum wage for employers?

  Motivated workforce and reduced union negotiations
• What are the disadvantages of the minimum wage for employers?

  Increased wage costs and potential job losses
• How does the minimum wage benefit employees?

  Increases disposable income and job opportunities
• What are the disadvantages of the minimum wage for employees?

  Potential loss of job security and minimal increases
• What can happen if businesses do not comply with minimum wage laws?

  They can face prosecution
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of the minimum wage?

  Advantages for Employers:

  • Motivated workforce
  • Reduced union negotiations

  
  

  Advantages for Employees:

  • Increased disposable income
  • More job opportunities

  
  

  Disadvantages for Employers:

  • Increased wage costs
  • Potential job losses

  
  

  Disadvantages for Employees:

  • Loss of job security
  • Minimal wage increases
• What role do government bodies play in business law compliance?

  They ensure businesses comply with the law
• Name one government body that ensures compliance with business law.

  The Office of Fair Trading
• How do European Union laws affect UK businesses?

  They take precedence over UK laws
• How can government influence business success?

  By stimulating or hindering growth and innovation
• What are the implications of the minimum wage on business operations?

  It can affect profits and employment levels
• What is the purpose of planning law?

  To regulate business location and expansion
• What does planning law cover?

  Planning permission for building changes