Labour’s Employment Law Plans: Only 38% of employers have started planning for the upcoming changes
In our recent webinar, now available on demand, we discussed the employment landscape post the General Election, including the new Employment Rights Bill and its significant implications for employers. We also explored Labour’s employment law plans for this parliamentary year and the 5-year term in Government. It’s clear that the promised changes have the potential […]
GAS SAFETY WEEK 2024 | Workplace Gas Safety Guidelines
Gas-related hazards can lead to fires, explosions, carbon monoxide poisoning, and significant financial losses. To safeguard employees, customers, and business assets, it is crucial to understand and implement robust workplace gas safety measures. Now is the right time to review and reinforce your workplace gas safety practices. This article provides essential guidelines to help businesses […]
Labour Government Employment Changes 2024
Introduction In this Hot Topic, we consider the impact of the recent General Election, on the employment landscape and what it will mean for business owners and HR practitioners. We explore: The new parliamentary Bills that are to be introduced impacting employment Our recommendations for how businesses can prepare for these changes Legislation that has […]
Pros and Cons of a Four-Day Work Week For Your Business
As companies across the globe explore innovative approaches to enhance employee well-being and business performance, the concept of a four-day work week has gained considerable attention. This approach has been tested in various pilots and trials, yielding positive outcomes such as improved employee retention, better mental health, and even increased revenues. Many organisations that participated […]
Upcoming Employment Legislation: What Employers Need to Prepare For
Over the next few years, significant employment legislation will come into effect, impacting various aspects of the workplace. Employers must stay informed about these changes to ensure compliance and adapt their policies accordingly. Below is an overview of the upcoming employment legislation, their commencement dates, and what they mean for employers and employees. Legislation by […]
Key Employment Bills Announced in the 2024/25 King’s Speech
On 17th July, the Government outlined its priorities for 2024/25 in the King’s Speech, including several key Employment Bills 2024/25 that could significantly impact the workplace. Among the various Employment Bills 2024/25 proposed, four stand out for their potential influence on employment law: The Children’s Wellbeing Bill Whilst this is not purely an employment Bill, […]
Update to the dismissal and re-engagement code of practice
On 18th July, a new statutory Code of Practice on Dismissal and Re-engagement came into effect across England, Scotland, and Wales. This code introduces specific procedures that employers must follow when considering the dismissal and re-engagement of employees—a practice commonly known as ‘fire and rehire’. The Code emphasises that this approach should be used only […]
Top 5 Reasons Why Businesses Are Turning to HR Outsourcing in 2025
Why Businesses are Turning to HR Outsourcing has become a significant focus in 2024, with 39% of SMEs planning to outsource HR this year, according to our 2024 SME Business Report. We expect this trend to grow as we face further developments in employment law later in 2024 and into 2025. With a newly elected […]
Flexible working shown to boost morale and wellbeing
In a comprehensive two-year study conducted by Timewise and the Institute for Employment Studies, with funding from Impact on Urban Health, the effects of increased flexibility on frontline and site-based roles were meticulously analysed. This research project, named Flex For All, aimed to explore how providing more input and control over working patterns could influence […]
Prepare for the 2024/25 Government Policy Changes: 5 Key Steps for Employers
Following the King’s speech on 17 July 2024, we now have a clearer idea of the Government’s priorities for 2024/25. Significant changes are expected, although details are still to be published. Given the potential impact, we advise employers to start preparing for the 2024/25 Government Policy Changes now to ensure their business is ready. Here […]
UK Riots 2024: Protecting Your Workforce
The recent riots have marked the worst outbreak of civil disorder in Britain in 13 years, creating significant challenges for businesses. These events not only disrupt public order but also pose serious risks to employees’ safety. Businesses in affected areas face heightened threats of vandalism and looting, making it increasingly dangerous for workers to commute […]
Minimum service levels set to be repealed
On 6 August, the government announced that it will repeal the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023. The introduction of minimum service levels during strike action was brought about by the Conservative government and applied to key public sector services including health, fire and rescue, education, transport and border control. When a trade union announced […]
UK riots 2024 | Guidance on keeping staff and premises safe
Following the tragic killing of three young girls in Southport on 29 July, anti-immigrant and far-right unrest has erupted across numerous cities and towns in England and in Belfast in Northern Ireland. This has been the worst outbreak of civil disorder in Britain in 13 years, with police having made 378 arrests at the time […]
UK riots 2024 | Can you dismiss employees for conduct outside of work?
Employees are entitled to their private lives but, on occasion, their conduct outside of work can have a direct impact on the working relationship. In the past couple of weeks, violent unrest has broken out across the UK following a tragic knife attack on children and their dance teachers in Southport, Merseyside. Following misinformation posted […]
UK riots 2024 | Managing workplace closures and addressing staff safety concerns
With violent protests breaking out across the UK, many workers are “fearing for their safety” as rioters turn to looting. Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of staff is paramount, and from an employment law perspective, there are implications to keep in mind. Below, we outline the steps employers should take if they find themselves needing to close […]
The changes in employment law affecting the management of business transfers
The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (TUPE) is a common business process and one which relies on both HR and the business working closely together to ensure a smooth business transition. In this Hot Topic we look at recent developments in this legislation as well as how the legislation may further develop under a […]
Neurodivergent employees are found to ‘mask’ whilst at work
In an effort to better understand the experiences of neurodivergent employees in the workplace, Pearn Kandola conducted a comprehensive study titled “Neurodiversity At Work Report 2024”. This study surveyed over 600 neurodivergent workers across the UK to gain insights into the challenges they face, particularly focusing on the phenomenon of ‘masking’—the suppression of emotions, discomfort, […]
Claimant won £90,000 after being asked the ages of her children and job offer withdrawn
A senior marketing manager has successfully claimed over £90,000 in compensation for sex discrimination after her job offer was rescinded following inquiries about her childcare responsibilities. The circumstances: In the case of Mrs FL v R&F Properties QS (UK)Co. Ltd, Fong Fong Lee, an experienced marketing professional, was offered a senior marketing manager role by […]
Is your business prepared for the new duty on preventing sexual harassment of your workers?
In a recent article, we highlighted the forthcoming new duty on preventing sexual harassment of your workers that will require employers to ‘take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment’ of their workers in the course of their employment. This new duty on preventing sexual harassment of your workers comes into force from 26 October 2024, and […]
Morrisons fail to overturn court ruling that found not them guilty of taking steps to mitigate risks posed by an employee’s medical condition
In 2023, Morrisons Supermarket was fined £3.5 million for failing to prevent the death of a store worker who had epilepsy and were convicted for three health and safety offences. At the end of last month, the company lost their bid to overturn this ruling. This is a tragic accident which lead to Morrisons being […]