In 2024, workers across the UK can anticipate significant shifts in employment law with the introduction of three transformative laws. Set to enhance fairness and predictability in the workplace, these new regulations are especially aimed at improving conditions for some of the most vulnerable workers in sectors such as hospitality and flexible employment patterns. Here’s a detailed guide on what to expect and how these changes could affect you. Fair Distribution of Tips: A Win for Hospitality Workers Starting from July 1, 2024, a pivotal law will take effect, safeguarding tips for over 2 ..read more

In a move underscored by the realities of an ageing workforce of older workers and heightened sickness rates, UK businesses are advocating for government-provided tax incentives to invest in employee health. This call to action is part of a broader strategy to address a workplace pressing health crisis and accommodate an older worker demographic within the workforce, as revealed in a recent study by the British Standards Institution (BSI). The report highlights a significant trend among UK business leaders, with 46% supporting financial incentives for giving a skills boost and hiring older ..read more

Kia UK has once again been officially accredited as a Great Place To Work organization, a prestigious title upheld by the objective, data-driven evaluation methods employed by Great Place To Work. This marks the second consecutive year of this noteworthy recognition, with an improvement in scores across all categories. Vehicles here are proudly made in the UK and the new manufacturing revolution is showcased at its best, with workers highly satisfied in their positions. The certification emerges from a rigorous assessment process that incorporates anonymous and validated feedback from the ..read more

The annual observance of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on Sunday, April 28th serves as a pivotal moment to underscore the critical importance of fostering a safe and healthy working environment. Orchestrated by the United Nations’ International Labour Organisation (ILO), this day is dedicated to promoting safe, healthy, and decent work, both in the UK and around the globe. The Significance of the Day World Day for Safety and Health at Work was established to draw attention to the scale of preventable accidents in the workplace including illnesses. With millions of workers wor ..read more

In a revealing study conducted by Unum UK, an alarming 78% of UK employees expressed willingness to leave their jobs due to excessive stress and inadequate mental health support at work. This statistic places stress just behind salary considerations (79%) as a significant driver of employee turnover, underscoring the acute impact of workplace pressures on UK professionals. The study, performed by global research firm Censuswide in September 2023, surveyed 4,035 UK workers aged 16 to 69. Findings highlight a critical shortfall in employer support for mental health and well-being, with less ..read more

In a recent development, Tata Steel has announced it will withhold a “significantly enhanced” redundancy package if its workers decide to proceed with a strike. This decision comes in the wake of union members voting in Favor of industrial action, in response to the company’s plans to eliminate nearly 3,000 jobs across its operations. The Chief Executive of Tata Steel’s UK division, Rajesh Nair, has stated that the proposed financial package, which he describes as the “most favourable” the company has ever offered, will be retracted if employees participate in strike actions. This announce ..read more

In a significant development for workers across the nation, flexible working has now become a legal right from the first day in a new job, marking a crucial shift from the previous requirement of a 26-week tenure with an employer before such a request could be entertained. This change under the Flexible Working (Amendment) Regulations 2023, which gained Royal Assent in July, was actively supported by Kevin Hollinrake, the business and trade minister, who cited a happier workforce as a key to increased productivity. Flexible working, which breaks away from the traditional 9-5 office hours ..read more

In an era where the balance between worker welfare and employer affordability is more critical than ever, a committee of Members of Parliament (MPs) has deemed an increase in Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) not just beneficial, but long overdue. Their recommendation for a rise to align with the flat rate of Statutory Maternity Pay marks a significant step towards enhancing worker support during times of illness, with proposed figures escalating from a weekly rate of £109.40 to an elevated £172.48. This development, they argue, could foster a more compassionate work environment that accommodates p ..read more

In a revelation that may affect millions across the United Kingdom, a substantial sum of money—potentially reaching up to £689 per individual—is being unnecessarily paid out to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) due to incorrect tax codes. This oversight has resulted in a collective overpayment of £5.8 billion, a situation brought to light by a recent study from Canada Life. A staggering 31% of adults have found themselves assigned the wrong tax code on their payslip at some point, leading to an average overpayment of £689. This issue is compounded by the fact that one in six working adults i ..read more

In a significant announcement, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has declared that over 27,000 healthcare workers are set to benefit from two one-off payments, cumulatively worth up to £3,000. This financial gesture is aimed at acknowledging the relentless dedication and hard work of healthcare professionals operating outside the NHS framework, including community nurses, sexual health workers, speech-and-language therapists, and physiotherapists among others. These healthcare workers, often employed by social enterprises, charities, private providers, and local authorities ..read more