Author: Thomas Bennett

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How will the Labour government reform employment law?

The Labour government has made comprehensive proposals to enhance workers’ rights.  The aim is to create a fairer and more inclusive working environment. Here is a summary: Artificial intelligence Labour plans to introduce regulations to protect workers from the potential negative effects of artificial intelligence in the workplace.  This includes ensuring that AI systems are…

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Will employment tribunals cope with the Labour government’s transformational reforms?

We will likely see increased claims, adding to the backlog already within the system.  In 2023/24, open employment tribunal cases increased by 3% to 653,000. Solutions Labour’s primary solution to combat the strain appears to be digitising claims. However, the Conservatives already modernised and digitised the tribunal process by introducing the ‘MyHMCTS’ system for submitting…

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How can you avoid placing discriminatory adverts?

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has updated its guidance on adverts.  What does it say? What is a discriminatory advert? A discriminatory advert restricts jobs, goods, facilities, or services to people with particular protected characteristics, such as men or people of a particular age group.  It is unlawful except in limited circumstances where…

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Managing trade unions and collective bargaining with a Labour government in power

With a potential Labour government imminent, employers need to think now about its impact on their current trade union and collective bargaining arrangements. The Labour manifesto states explicitly that stronger trade unions and collective bargaining will be the key mechanisms that enable them to tackle what they perceive as problems in the employment arena. So…

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What will the General Election mean for employment law?

Labour We will go to the polling booths on 4th July 2024.  If Labour wins, what should we expect? Key plans are likely to include: More day-one employment rights, including the right not to be unfairly dismissed (although employers will be able to operate probationary periods). A ban on zero-hours contracts, unless requested, and new…

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Six ways to create a neuro-inclusive workplace

The City & Guilds Foundation, which specialises in developing skills, has published its 2024 Neurodiversity Index report. The report found that more organisations are focusing on neuro-inclusion, with more employers having neuro-inclusion strategies and adapting their recruitment practices to accommodate neurodivergent applicants than in the previous year. However, it also found that 50% of individual…

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What are the changes to the family-friendly legal framework?

Redundancy In a redundancy situation, pregnant employees who notify their employer of their pregnancy on or after 6th April 2024 have priority for any suitable alternative vacancy that is available. Employees returning to work on or after 6th April 2024 from a period of maternity or adoption leave, or a period of shared parental leave…

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