First published on Thursday, May 4, 2023
Last updated on Friday, May 5, 2023
Have you heard the latest news?
Welcome to HR Heartbeat, where we give you a rundown of the week's top employment law stories. Stay on the pulse of current trends impacting your business, plus get up-to-the-minute commentaries on all things HR and legal.
So, let’s check out this week’s headlines…
Tips Bill gets the royal stamp of approval
The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Bill received Royal Assent earlier this week. This will make it unlawful for employers to withhold tips and service charges from workers. Workers will also get a new right to request more information relating to an employer’s tipping records.
Whilst it could still take about a year to come in, when it does, employers will need to act in accordance with this new statutory code of practice or they could leave themselves vulnerable to tribunal claims.
For the latest advice, ask BrightHR Lightning: Do I need to share tips equally around the team?
Sickness absence hits a record high
The number of working hours lost to sickness absence is at its highest since 2004. It might seem like this is something that is out of your control as an employer…but it doesn’t have to be!
Employers who effectively support health and wellbeing and have easy-to-use HR attendance tracking software can keep staff sickness and absences from ruining their business plans.
Watch our on-demand webinar for more expert guidance on managing sickness and absenteeism.
Low shared parental leave uptake
Shared parental leave is a system which enables eligible parents to share a maximum of 50 weeks of leave between them after the birth or adoption of a child.
Government figures show that the number of employees using shared parental leave has increased every year since it was introduced. But the number of couples taking up the leave remains very low, with only 13,000 taking it in 2021/22.
The benefits of shared parental leave include a better work and family life and increased productivity upon return to work. Employers might want to learn more about shared parental leave so that they can better promote the availability and benefits and encourage further uptake.
More train strikes
Train drivers are set to go on strike again on May 12th, 31st and the 3rd of June. And even we’re starting to feel like a broken record!
Most UK businesses by now will be well-versed with strike protocol. But it’s important not to slack off and to stay consistent with your approach to strikes to minimise the disruption to your business.
Don’t derail your plans, get back on track with instant advice. Ask BrightHR Lightning: What can I do to lessen the impact of the train strikes for my staff?
Flexibility reverses retirement
A third of UK adults over 50 say they would remain part of the workforce and even be tempted out of retirement if flexible working arrangements were an option.
Retirees say they want to continue working but only if this was balanced with their other needs like caring responsibilities, ill health, and time off for hobbies, volunteering and travel.
And that’s a wrap. Tune in next week for more headlines and make sure you stay ahead of major employment law changes!
