Rate Increases Update 2024

The Government have announced the following rate changes that are due to take effect in April 2024; some are subject to Parliamentary approval. The Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order 2024 comes into force on 6th April 2024. This Order makes the following changes: For more support on the latest HR regulations and recommendations, access our […]

Driving at Work: Fleet Risk Management

Driving for work is completed by most businesses, to varying degrees. It can be defined as operating any vehicle, whether company owned, or a private vehicle where the employee claims mileage, (commonly referred to as Grey Fleet), motorcycle, or bike as part of a work activity.  Driving is likely to be the most dangerous activity […]

Menopause Guidance

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has issued new guidance for employers on Menopause in the Workplace which can be found here. The guidance advises that menopause symptoms can be considered a disability if they have a long-term and substantial impact on a woman’s ability to carry out normal daily activities.  In these circumstances, […]

Managing Workplace Relationships

Workplace Relationships Acceptable conduct in the workplace is an essential element in what makes a truly cohesive and supportive workplace. Sadly, this is not always achieved and no-one could have missed extensive media attention into allegations that some key figures have abused their position. Positive personal relationships, of course, have been formed in the workplace […]

Amendment to National Minimum Wage Regulations

Under the 2015 National Minimum Wage Regulations, an exemption applied to live in domestics, which decreed that a person carrying out tasks whilst living in an employer’s home is not work; and the employer was exempt from paying the minimum wage. The purpose was to facilitate au-pair placements in the UK and, in exchange for […]

Asbestos – Are You Managing The Risk?

It is now over 20 years (and two changes in regulations) since law was introduced, requiring duty holders to survey, identify and manage asbestos within their premises. Asbestos has been used for thousands of years but was used in particularly high quantities in buildings materials, fire/heat protection and other products between 1950 and 1980. Around […]

Sexual Harassment: A Recent Case Example

An employer has had to pay compensation in excess of £50,000 to a former employee who was sexually harassed by her manager and some colleagues who thought their behaviour was normal “workplace banter”.  Background Shortly after commencing employment with a well-known retail chain, the employee was subjected to unwanted advances and inappropriate comments by a […]

Paternity Leave Changes

The Government has published draft legislation in the form of the Paternity Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024,which are due to come into force on 8th March 2024.  The Regulations will apply where the Expected Week of Childbirth (EWC) is on or after 6thApril 2024. From that date: These changes should give more flexibility in terms of how the […]

Family Friendly Employment Law Changes On The Horizon

As we have advised previously, a number of changes to family friendly legislation were announced during 2023; and three key changes are destined to come into effect on 6thApril 2024.  The Regulations do remain in draft form at the moment, so may be subject to change.  These draft Regulations currently provide for the following: The […]

Legislation Impacting Holiday Pay & Other Miscellaneous Provisions

The Government, last week, published draft legislation to implement changes to holiday rights under the Working Time Regulations (“WTR”).  The draft Employment Rights (Amendment, Revocation and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2023 (“Regulations”) still need to complete the final stage of the legislative process but significant changes are not envisaged. Providing there are no hiccups, the Regulations should […]