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In a recent newsletter, we reviewed the effects of the introduction of civil partnerships from 5 December 2006 on income tax and employment rights. From that date, same-sex couples will be able to register a civil partnership, equivalent largely to marriage.
Acas has published guidance on the effects on civil partnerships in the context of employment. In addition to the statutory rights that civil partners will enjoy, employers must also review their total reward package to ensure that civil partners are not discriminated against in any respect on the grounds of sexual orientation.
Areas of concern, as highlighted by Acas, are survivor pensions, flexible working, contractual leave arrangements and any benefits that are specific to married couples. If benefits are provided for married couples, they must also be provided for civil partners. Similarly, if benefits are provided to couples who are not married, they must also be provided for same-sex couples who have not entered into a civil partnership.
If an employee who has entered into a civil partnership and wishes to be known by a different name, the civil partnership certificate should be accepted as evidence of change of name.
...back to 1 December 2005
Source:
A Guide to Civil Partnerships - What employers need to know
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For Payroll and Human Resource Professionals
