Employment legislation is hitting the licensed trade harder than ever, according to specialist law firm Halliwell Landau.
Legislation on the minimum wage, new benefits for agency workers and maternity rights for fathers have all been introduced this year and the firm is warning leisure operators that they need to be aware of these.
Company spokesman Michael Ball said: "From the first of this month not only did the national minimum wage rates rise but new legislation gave every fixed term employee the right to the same package of benefits as permanent employees doing the same job. Any differences will now need to be justified or a claim for compensation may be made.
"It will not be a long term solution to replace with agency workers either. The government is in the process of consulting regarding the implementation of similar rights for all temps employed through agencies.
Possibly the biggest shake up in employment law for years will be brought about by the Employment Act 2002 which will come into force during 2003, he said.
This will mean that every employer will have to provide staff with contracts that include a new statutory disciplinary and grievance procedure.
From April 2003 maternity pay, which last year was just £62.20, increases to £100 per week - while the payment period is extended to six months and the total leave entitlement for most employees to a whole year.
"For the first time parents who adopt are going to be entitled to almost identical rights in relation to pay and leave. Fathers who have never previously had a right to paid time off for child care will have the right to two weeks paid paternity leave," said Mr Ball.