Minimum wage hike and EPCs in force from today

Around 20 new pieces of legislation come into effect today including an increase in the National Minimum Wage and the requirement for Energy Performance Certificates (EPC).

The Government's Common Commencement Date means that licensees must be aware of a raft of new rules coming into force on the same day.

The adult minimum wage rate has increased from £5.52 to £5.73 per hour. The Youth Development Rate is up from £4.60 to £4.77, and the rate for 16 and 17-year-olds has increased from £3.40 to £3.53.

In addition, any licensee wishing to sell their pub or assign their lease — or are in the process of doing so — must fork out between £700-£1,000 for an EPC from today.

Concerns still exist over the shortage of inspectors but the Government has extended the deadline for EPCs to be in place to 4 January. This means that any pub sold from today has until that date to get its EPC.

Vendors will be liable for a fine of between £500 and £5,000 for failing to do so.

While the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) welcomed the single date for implementation it hit out at the raft of new rules from a Government which promised to cut regulation.

It said that if administrative duties were cut then businesses could involve themselves in increased community activity and concentrate more on staff training.

"Having a Common Commencement Date goes some way to helping businesses prepare for new regulation but the volume of legislation is just getting too much," said FSB national chairman John Wright.

"In these tough times it is important for small businesses to remain economically active rather than spending their time filling in forms to adapt to new rules.

"The impact and costs of new regulations affecting small businesses should be properly analysed and adapted accordingly."

• You can view the full list and details of regulations coming into force today here​.