This week’s news in brief

Pensions consultation

Regulations on age discrimination in occupational pension arrangements have been reissued by the government. Employers and pension experts have until Friday (20 October) to respond to the Department for Work and Pensions consultation paper. Proposals include allowing trustees to provide different pension benefits for staff based on length of service.

Lone parents cash incentive

Single parents could get £20 a week extra on top of their benefits if they move towards getting work under a government pilot scheme. The government said the scheme to help lone parents back to work would be rolled out from April 2007. Parents with children aged 11 and over will be eligible for the ‘work-related activity premium’.

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Simple health and safety

The Health and Safety Commission and the Health and Safety Executive have published a simplification plan to help businesses comply with regulations and improve workplace health and safety. The plan outlines initiatives to reduce the amount of paperwork associated with complying with health and safety legislation while maintaining or improving safety standards.