Staying compliant amid new employment reforms
Running a business in today’s rapidly changing legal landscape can be challenging, especially when it comes to keeping up with employment law.
With the introduction of the Employment Rights Bill and the new employment reforms proposed by the Labour Government, it is more important than ever for businesses to stay ahead of the curve. From ensuring compliance, to drafting essential policies, to properly managing employee relations, it can be a minefield. These reforms aim to modernise workplace protections, and they will likely bring about significant changes to the rights of employees, making it crucial for employers to review and update their practices.
Our team is here to support businesses by providing advice and guidance on areas such as:
1. Compliance with current employment legislation – employment law is constantly evolving, and non-compliance can lead to costly disputes, penalties, and damage to your company’s reputation. With the recent and upcoming changes in legislation, businesses must be proactive in staying compliant.
The Employment Rights Bill, expected to include reforms such as flexible working as a default option, enhanced protections for gig economy workers, and measures to combat workplace harassment, will likely have a significant impact on how businesses operate.
2. Drafting contracts and key policies – having clear and well-drafted contracts of employment and workplace policies is essential for protecting your business and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. In light of the proposed employment reforms, it’s a good time for businesses to review and update their contracts and internal procedures to align with any new legal requirements. This includes contracts of employment, recruitment policies as well as grievance and disciplinary policies.
3. Handling employee grievances properly – employee grievances, if not handled properly, can quickly escalate into costly and time-consuming legal battles. The new reforms are expected to further empower employees in raising concerns, including making it easier to challenge unfair treatment at work.
The Government has outlined several proposed reforms aimed at improving employee rights and protections. Some key areas of focus include proposals to make flexible working the default option unless employers can justify refusing it, which will require businesses to rethink working practices and ensure they can accommodate flexible requests where possible; a move towards better protections for gig economy and zero-hour contract workers, ensuring they receive entitlements like holiday pay and sick leave; and increased protections from workplace harassment.
As employment law becomes more complex, it is important to stay on top of the changes. Staying compliant and ensuring documents are robust and up-to-date not only avoids legal risks, but also contributes to a positive workplace environment where employees feel respected and valued.