The issues of stress and sickness absence have attracted considerable attention recently following initiatives from the HSE, the government's consultation on "fit notes" and the important House of Lords decision in Stringer on long term sickness and statutory holiday entitlement. To add to this, the impending impact of swine flu means employers cannot afford to ignore their health and safety obligations not least because of the increased penalties for breaches which came into force in January this year.

In this newsletter, Charles Russell focus on two pieces of health and safety-related legislation. As reported in their May Employment Update the first prosecution has been brought for the criminal offence of corporate manslaughter. The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 came into force just over a year ago and Charles Russell take this opportunity to review what it says and set out practical steps employers can and should take to protect the health and safety of their employees.

Finally, they take a look at the practical implications for employers of recent cases.

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Update supplied by Charles Russell LLP - www.charlesrussell.co.uk