New legislation comes into effect today, impacting pensions, working parents and training.

In addition to the 50p tax rate on earners with salaries over £150,000, new legislation today means the Government's fit note scheme comes into effect so GPs can advise employers on what activities staff can do, rather than signing them off work.

From today, working fathers can take up to 26 weeks' paternity leave in the first year of their child's life, allowing them to share maternity leave with the mother.

Staff also have a legal right to request training from today, whether this is on-the-job training or time off to study.

The minimum pension age has also risen from 50 to 55 and the state retirement age for women has risen to 65 although this will take place on a long-term phased basis. For more information, click here