Supportis offer fixed-fee, unlimited use and bespoke HR and Employment Law packages for UK businesses like yours. Read our monthly round-up of news for employers to keep you in the know.
Improved guidance for employers on employment status
A consultation back in 2018 as to whether or not tests for determining employment & tax status should be aligned has concluded: this won’t come into effect and current tests will remain. One option was to simplify employment status by removing ‘worker’ completely, leaving just ‘employed/self-employed’, but this proposal was rejected.
Poor diversity in the retail sector identified
Reports show that women and Black employees are hugely under-represented at most senior levels, boards, and executive committees. Over 1/3 of retailers currently have all-white boards/executive committees, and less than 40% of the members of boards and executive committees are women.
More employees deciding to ‘un-retire’
ONS have revealed economic activity levels (the number of people who are in work or who are looking for work) for those aged 50+ are at their highest levels since the beginning of the pandemic. The reason for this? Older workers are ‘unretiring.’ 32% of retired workers would consider returning to work at some point or were already working again after retirement.
Zero-hours workers have the best work-life balance
CIPD report that zero-hours workers maintain a better work-life balance than others. No mutuality of obligation between employer and employee is still uncommon, with only 3% of the UK workforce being classed as zero hours. It is noted in the report however that improved enforcement of employment rights is needed to protect those who are treated unfairly, such as not being compensated if the employer cancels a shift at late notice.
The effect of a new PM on HR & Employment Law
Liz Truss has announced plans to introduce legislation to require minimum staffing levels for strike action, remove D&I jobs in the Civil Service and remove the NI increase that was introduced this year if she becomes PM. Rishi Sunak plans to scrap the Apprenticeship Levy in favour of a new incentive for businesses to invest in apprenticeships, publish a manifesto for Women’s Rights, and fine NHS patients for missed appointments.
Supportis says:
August was another busy month for HR & Employment Law news…
If the employment status test changes would have been implemented, it would most likely have meant that workers would have had rights enhanced to match those of an employee, creating cost and uncertainty for businesses in the short-term. We do agree that in the current climate especially, more needs to be done to ensure that workers’ rights are protected.
The lack of diversity in the retail sector is disappointing to see. We recommend all businesses implement a D&I strategy to combat workplace prejudice & ensure equality.
The number of ‘un-retirers’ is staggering; we can only assume that the current cost of living crisis will be forcing some retirees back into the workplace. Of course, however, there will always be those who can’t adjust to the seismic shift from the 9-5 to retirement, heading back to work for more mental and social stimulation.
Zero hours workers having the best work-life balance is surprising on the surface, however, we can appreciate that zero hours contracts can provide employment opportunities for those who might otherwise not be able to work as they can’t commit to more regular pre-determined hours due to ill-health, care or studying needs, for example. Davis Grant clients can redeem a FREE HR audit from Supportis. Quote ‘DG Client‘ on 0161 603 2156 or at hello@supportis.com