Businesses that have failed to prepare for a range of new legislation that came into force on 1 October could now be breaching the law.

The date was the second such day this year - known as the common commencement date - when the government introduces new regulations and makes amendments to existing ones.

Changes affecting the national minimum wage, occupational pension schemes, employers' liability compulsory insurance, trade marks, limited liability partnerships and doorstep-selling are all now operational.

Business Link has developed a section on its website offering advice on how to comply with the new rules, at www.businesslink.gov.uk/southeast/ccd [1]