Legislation Flashcards
What is legislation?
Legislation is a set of rules that govern the way society operates. It is another term for ‘laws’.
There are many different types of laws that govern businesses but we will concentrate on three types:
- Employment law
- Health and safety law
- Consumer law
What would be covered under employment law?
Employment law - laws that protect the the rights of employees include:
- National minimum wage and living wage
- Equality act 2010 - what is this about?
- Pregnant employees
- Holiday
- Working hours
- Trade union membership
- Contract of employment
- Compassionate leave
- Provide a safe working environment
- Provide suitable training
How are businesses affected by employee laws?
Profits - there will be increased costs but could also be improved motivation and labour productivity
Employment - may be lower or replaced by machines if workers are unskilled, they must ensure all people are treated equally, this could help ensure that the right candidate is recruited possibly improving the business
What is covered under consumer law?
Consumer law are passed by the government to protect consumers from unfair practices such as:
- Selling goods and services that are not as described
- Selling products that are unsafe
- Selling products that don’t work properly or at unfair prices
- Selling information about consumers to other businesses without their permission
Consumer rights Act 2015 provides consumers with clear rights and protection when buying goods and services and covers:
- Product quality - fit for purpose
- Returning goods
- Repairs and replacements
- Delivery rights
- Products going missing before delivery
- Late delivery
How are businesses affected by consumer laws?
- Increase business costs
- Prevent businesses from extra sources of revenue by selling on data collected
- Protection of laws can make consumers more willing to purchase expensive goods (guarantee)
- Encourage to produce goods that are safe and fit for purpose (quality)
