The Procurement Act received Royal Assent on 27 October and aims to create a new public procurement regime designed to deliver better value for money. Expected to come into force from October 2024, simpler and more transparent procurement processes will streamline the way companies bid for public sector contracts and support small businesses to win more work. It will also ensure 30‐day payment terms are an implied term in every public sector contract and public sector organisations are required to report on their performance against this target every six months.
After a consultation earlier this year, the Government has confirmed it will be amending elements of the Working Time Regulations following the UK’s departure from the EU. This will include reducing recordkeeping requirements as well as simplifying annual leave and holiday pay calculations.