October 2009.

The staggered timetable was intended to give companies sufficient time to prepare for the new regime under the act, rather than implementing all 1,300 sections of the act on one day.

Another reason for the staggered implementation is that, despite the act's size, a great many sections provide for subsidiary legislation to be brought in by Secretary of State, which required time to draft.

Implementation of the act was the responsibility of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

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