Benson 's Law; Q & A.

Byline: WITH NICKY BENSON

Q I have been asked by a pregnant employee for time off work to attend ante-natal appointments. Am I obliged to allow her this time off and if so,must I pay her for the time she is absent?

A Pregnant employees have the right not to be unreasonably refused time off work to attend ante- natal care appointments and they have the right to be paid for this period of absence from work. There is no minimum length of qualifying service required to acquire this right and it applies whatever the size of the employer. The fact that the right is not to be unreasonably refused the time off work implies that there are circumstances in which a refusal may be reasonable. There is little guidance on what might amount to a reasonable refusal but it is safe to assume that you must have compelling reasons for refusing the time off for it to amount to a reasonable refusal. I run a small business and I am about to recruit two new employees,one aged 30 and one aged 18. I know that there is a minimum wage but how much is it?

The National Minimum Wage Act and Regulations applies to nearly all workers and sets out hourly rates below which pay must not be allowed to fall. The rates set are based on the recommendations of the Independent Low Pay Commission. The main (adult) rate for workers aged 22 and over is pounds 4.20 per hour, increasing to pounds 4.50 per hour inOctober 2003. The development rate for workers aged 18 to 21 inclusive is pounds 3.60 per hour increasing to pounds 3.80 per hour in October 2003. The development rate can also apply to workers aged 22 and above during their first six months in a new job with a new employer and who are receiving accredited training.

Contact Nicky Benson at Cuff Roberts Solicitors,100 Old Hall Street,Liverpool L3 9TD. Telephone [phone] or fax [phone] [e-mail]