Amendments to Employment Rights Bill
An Amendment Paper to the Employment Rights Bill including 53 pages has been put forward by the Government as the Bill progresses through Parliament.
In these times of change, Croner has you covered. Our HR Documentation Team will provide all new and updated policies and contracts, our Croner Face2Face Team can hold in-person meetings with your employees as well as providing a mediation service and our 24/7 HR Advisory Team are here to personally talk you through any HR issues you are facing. You can also get answers to questions like What is contained in the new Employment Rights Bill? from Croner BrAInbox.
No extra bank holiday to mark end of World War Two
It has been reported that the Government were considering granting an additional bank holiday in either May or August next year to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) day or Victory over Japan (VJ) day.
However, the Government has confirmed that it is not planning to announce any additional bank holidays next year to mark 80 years since the end of World War Two. Instead, the usual bank holidays will be observed, and commemorative events will be held on the existing early May bank holiday which takes place on Monday 5 May 2025.
In 2020, the early May bank holiday was moved from its traditional date to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE day.
Did you know?
Our award-winning HR software, BrightHR can help you to effectively manage staff annual leave requests.
Hosting inclusive Christmas celebrations
Christmas can be a great time to promote inclusion in the workplace without dampening the festive spirit. Organisations can make their celebrations more inclusive by offering alternatives to the traditional Christmas party and involving employees at the planning stage.
Consider the timing and location of the event, for example, working parents and carers are likely to find it easier to attend an event in the daytime when they have childcare/care arrangements in place.
Having a work-related social events policy can help to set out the organisation’s approach to inclusion and reassure any staff who may have concerns about attending the event.
Did you know?
Our HR Documentation Team can create a Work-related Social Events Policy for your business.
Drivers using black cab app not workers
The claimant was a qualified black cab driver who used the respondent’s app which allowed members of the public to order black cabs, rather than hailing one on the street.
When he reapplied to use the app, his application was refused. He argued this was because he had made protected disclosures. Whether the claimant was a worker was considered as a preliminary issue.
The Employment Tribunal and Employment Appeal Tribunal found that the claimant, and the other drivers, were not workers, and they were in business on their own account. The use of the app was just a way to increase their business. (Johnson v GT Gettaxi).
Did you know?
Our HR Documentation Team can draft bespoke self-employed contracts to protect your business.
Managing manual handling risks
Manual handling injuries, such as back strain, are prevalent in small businesses where employees often lift, push, or carry items without proper techniques.
To minimise these risks, train staff on safe lifting techniques and provide manual handling equipment like trolleys or hoists for heavy objects. Clearly label heavy items to warn employees and encourage team lifting for larger loads.
Finally organise storage to minimise excessive lifting or reaching. Proper handling procedures not only reduce injuries but also prevent downtime and improve employee morale.
Did you know?
Employers should ensure all of these points are included in a manual handling risk assessment.
Contact Croner's award-winning team for all your business's HR, Employment Law and Health and Safety needs. Call today on 0800 092 3803.