In theory, new business-related laws should come into force twice a year – April and October are the “common commencement dates” for government laws. Judging by the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform’s (BERR) annual statement, this October looks a breeze, with only the annual increase in the national minimum wage coming into force.

But this is only the tip of the iceberg. Below the waterline are changes to maternity and paternity leave, extensions to the right to request flexible working, the employment bill and the single equality bill. At European level, there’s also the likelihood of improved rights for agency workers and an enhanced definition of information and consultation.