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The Employment Rights Act introduces major reforms to UK employment law, with changes being implemented in stages from December 2025 through to 2027.

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Consultation on REACH chemicals enforcement

Issue date

16 Mar 2007

Consultation on REACH chemicals enforcement

The government has published a consultation document on the enforcement of the REACH chemicals safety regulations in the UK. REACH - Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals - was agreed by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers on 18 December 2006. The government says REACH will come into force across the European Union on 1 June this year, with the UK required to have an enforcement and penalties regime in place no later than 1 December 2008. REACH will apply not only to chemicals manufacturers or suppliers, but to any business which uses chemicals - so a wide range of businesses will be affected by the enforcement arrangements proposed. Defra and the devolved administrations are encouraging industry, trade unions, environmental groups, health and safety professionals and others to comment on the proposals for enforcement. It says 'the aim is that REACH should be effectively enforced in ways which minimise the burden for both businesses and for public authorities.' In October last year, the government announced that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) had been asked to take on the role of UK 'Competent Authority' for REACH.

Defra news release. Enforcement of REACH in the UK, Consultation document, closing date for responses 4 June 2007. Consultation webpages.
HSE REACH helpdesk: 0845 408 9575. TUC guide to REACH.

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