Employment Law Timetable

In this article we provide an employment law timeline, and include details of proposed developments that businesses need to be aware of in the months ahead. Confirmed New Employment Legislation – in order of commencement date Expected late 2023 – The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 was […]
Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is unlawful and can be a criminal offence. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) report that three-quarters of people say they have experienced some form of sexual harassment at work and the rest have witnessed harassment or supported others (Equality and Human Rights Commission, 2018, ‘Turning the tables: ending sexual harassment at […]
Community Channel

About Community Channel Community Channel produces inspiring TV programmes and documentaries to motivate people to do more in their lives and for the lives of others. Their community stories focus on health, wellbeing, hobbies, food, local history and heritage. Community Channel are the world’s first supporter-owned national channel dedicated to improving lives. Reasons for Choosing […]
Case Law Update: Dwight Pile-Grey vs Ministry of Defence

In the case of Dwight Pile-Grey vs Ministry of Defence, Mr Pile-Grey has successfully claimed direct race discrimination, harassment and victimisation against the Ministry of Defence (MoD) after his 16-year career in the Army. Following a dispute with white soldiers who doubted his identity as a soldier, culminating in accusations of playing the “race card”, […]
The HR year ahead: what are the key trends to watch?

As we wrap up 2023, we’re looking into the future to consider the employment developments we are likely to see in 2024. We already know that 2024 is planned to be a big year with the introduction of many new pieces of employment legislation and we share our knowledge in these areas in this month’s […]
Identifying and developing skills within your workforce

Rapid digitisation is creating surging demand for digital skills across the economy and the current domestic skills pipeline cannot keep up. Digitisation is also leading to rapid changes in the labour market that means some traditional roles are being displaced. There is an urgent need to better match the demand and supply. While the focus […]
Have your say in our 2023/24 SME Business Survey

As we approach 2024, the recruitment and retention of staff continue to be a top priority for businesses, as companies navigate the challenges of the current climate and candidate demands. Economic pressures and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis continue to impact both businesses and their employees. Reflecting on our 2022/23 SME Business Survey earlier this year, […]
THE EQUALITY ACT 2010 (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 2023
The Government has released a draft version of legislation which seeks to modify the Equality Act 2010 and is due to be in force from 1 January 2024. The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 solidify specific discrimination protections derived from EU law which would have otherwise ceased to apply at the end of the year (due […]
The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023

The Government has released a draft version of legislation which seeks to modify the Equality Act 2010 and is due to be in force from 1 January 2024. The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Regulations 2023 solidify specific discrimination protections derived from EU law which would have otherwise ceased to apply at the end of the […]
Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Act 2023

Last month, the Government announced how it will legislate reforms to both the Working Time Regulations (WTR) and the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006. This follows recent public consultations in which the government sought views on matters such as the management of annual leave entitlement and pay, irregular hour and part year […]
Case Law Update: Mr J. Richardson v West Midlands Trains

In the case of Mr J. Richardson v West Midlands Trains, Richardson was summarily dismissed following workplace pranks involving the shed skins of a tarantula and a snake. The case was dealt with as a bullying and harassment matter, however as the incident did not meet the threshold of seriousness required for something to be […]
The Autumn Statement – November 2023

Today, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has set out his autumn statement, which includes several significant announcements relating to employment and business: There will be an increase to the statutory minimum wage rates from April 2024: a. The national living wage (NLW – the rate for workers aged 21 and above) is to increase by […]
THE AUTUMN STATEMENT – NOVEMBER 2023
Today, the Chancellor of the Exchequer has set out his autumn statement, which includes several significant announcements relating to employment and business: There will be an increase to the statutory minimum wage rates from April 2024: a. The national living wage (NLW – the rate for workers aged 21 and above) is to increase by £1.02 to a […]
A NEW DUTY ON EMPLOYERS TO PREVENT SEXUAL HARASSMENT

The Equality Act 2010 is a defining piece of legislation aimed at preventing unlawful discrimination in the UK, encompassing protection against harassment generally, which relates to a relevant protected characteristic. At the end of October, it underwent an update through the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, officially becoming law across the UK. […]
Time frame for disclosing ‘spent’ convictions to employers has become shorter

In line with the recent implementation of Section 193 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, significant changes have come into effect regarding the disclosure periods for individuals with custodial convictions. The amendment, which came into effect on 28 October 2023, aims to shorten the duration during which workers are obligated to inform […]
Why robust employment contracts are key to business success

Are you aware of the extent to which your employment contracts can affect your organisation? In recent years we have seen a significant shift in the way in which people are employed and a more modern way of operating has materialised. Initially, this change was as a response to a worldwide emergency, supported by advancements […]
Why robust employment contracts are key to business success

Are you aware of the extent to which your employment contracts can affect your organisation? In recent years we have seen a significant shift in the way in which people are employed and a more modern way of operating has materialised. Initially, this change was as a response to a worldwide emergency, supported by advancements […]
2023/24 SME Business Survey – Have your say!

What are your predictions for 2024 and how do you see the next year going for your business? Would you like to explore the key trends and challenges that SMEs are likely to encounter over the next 12 months? Our annual SME Business Survey is back, and this time it is set to be better […]
What are the legal obligations for keeping in touch with an employee when on maternity/adoption leave?

Case Overview In the case of Miss R Smith vs Greatwell Homes Limited, Miss Smith raised a claim against Greatwell Homes Limited for a failure to be informed of job vacancies whilst on maternity leave, as well as other important company information. This case provides insights into the legal aspects surrounding the matter of keeping in […]
AGE DISCRIMINATION: HOW TO CREATE AGE-FRIENDLY WORKPLACES

Despite laws against age discrimination having existed for many years, it’s still an issue that persists and remains under-discussed in the world of people management. In our latest HR webinar, we turned the spotlight on the struggles faced by both younger and older workers. We explored how employers can create age-friendly workplaces that support young adults […]