Commentary on provisions of Act Section 8: Armed Forces Covenant New section 343AE Sections 343AA to 343AD: guidance
New section 343AE provides that the Secretary of State may issue guidance in relation to the duties imposed by new sections 343AA(1), 343AB(1), 343AC(1) and 343AD(1). Subsection (2) provides that where such guidance is issued, the persons or bodies subject to the duty must have regard to it when exercising any of the listed functions. Subsection (4) requires the guidance to be laid before Parliament in draft before it can be issued and provides that the guidance comes into force on a day appointed by the Secretary of State by regulations. Subsection (6) provides for the requirements in subsection (4) to apply to any revised guidance. Under subsection (5), the Secretary of State must consult with relevant devolved administrations where the guidance relates to devolved functions, and with others considered appropriate, before issuing the guidance or making significant amendments to it. Subsection (8) provides that the current version of the guidance must be published.