Welcome to our monthly update, where we share upcoming changes to employment law.
Employment Rights Bill: Second and Third Readings
The House of Lords Committee Stage of the Employment Rights Bill (ERB) had its second and third sittings on 8 and 13 May 2025, addressing significant topics such as zero hours contracts and statutory sick pay.
Key Discussions from 8 May 2025
- Agreements made on zero hours, agency workers, and flexible working.
- New amendments added for unfair dismissal grounds related to tribunal claims.
- Definition of “work-finding agency” now included in legislation.
- Employees on zero hours contracts can receive short notice payments upon employer insolvency.
- Provisions for recouping payments for cancelled or curtailed shifts established.
Key Discussions from 13 May 2025
- Debate on Statutory Sick Pay, tips, and parental leave concluded with no further amendments.
Further Committee Stage Sittings
Subsequent sittings on 19 and 21 May focused on workplace harassment and proposed amendments to enhance employer responsibilities and protections for employees.
ACAS Policy Paper on Workplace Collaboration
ACAS has published a policy paper titled A Time for Consensus: How Can Workplace Collaboration Be Built from Organisation to Nation? highlighting the importance of trust-based partnerships in enhancing productivity and well-being at work.
EHRC Consultation after Supreme Court Decision
The EHRC has launched a public consultation to update its statutory Code of Practice following the significant Supreme Court ruling, with clear implications for how employers handle single-sex provisions.
New Whistleblowing Legislation Announced
The Department for Business and Trade is implementing changes to strengthen whistleblowing protections and improve enforcement of UK sanctions. Key points include enhanced protections for whistleblowers and an expanded list of prescribed persons for reporting.
Available Training for Managers
To prepare for the changes introduced by the Employment Rights Bill, consider upskilling your managers with our programmes aimed at fostering effective leadership and compliance. Here’s a quick look at our flagship offerings:
- 21st Century Management Development – A four-day course on essential managerial skills.
- Gender Diversity Training – Boosting confidence in managing diverse workforces.
- Inclusive Leadership Course – Recognising and addressing unconscious biases.
- Prevention of Sexual Harassment – Equipping teams to prevent workplace harassments.
- Upskill Managers to Manage – Strategies for integrating teams effectively post-restructure.
- Improve Employee Health & Resilience – Educational sessions to promote employee well-being.
Why Should I Read This?
If you want to stay ahead of the curve in employment law, this article is for you! With important changes emerging that can impact workplace practices and legislative compliance, you want to be informed. We’ve distilled the key updates that’ll help you navigate the evolving landscape without sifting through all the legal jargon. Don’t get left behind – these changes affect everyone from managers to employees!