BPE's Employment team, in partnership with CIPD, were delighted to host their annual Employment Law Update on 15th November 2024, at the Cheltenham Chase Hotel.
With employment law dominating headlines after the recent UK general election, the event sold out in record time, attracting 130 of Gloucestershire’s leading businesses who were immersed throughout the day with insightful topics and discussions.The Employment team, comprised of Team Leader, Sarah Lee, Stephen Conlan, Steve Conlay and Emily Arnold delivered on diverse range of topics including:Legal update – Emily Arnold and Stephen Conlan delved into the latest employment law developments, including case law updates, tribunal decisions, and legislative changes.
- Labour’s planned changes – They also explored the possible changes under the Labour government, including potential increases to minimum wage, the end of fire and rehire practices, and increased union rights.
- Right to work - Micheal Marziano of Westkin Associates discussed the complexities of right to work checks, including recent changes to the Home Office's guidance and potential penalties for non-compliance.
- New sexual harassment duty – Sarah Lee examined the implications of the new sexual harassment rules, including heightened employer responsibilities for the new duty to prevent sexual harassment at work.
- Managing different generations in the workplace – Steve Conlay analysed differing strategies for managing a multi-generational workforce, including communication styles, work preferences, and performance management.
Throughout the day attendees also took part in various polls linked to the talks. Here are some of the key findings from those polls:
Do you think the BBC will be able to recover Huw's salary?
90% said no, which is the most likely outcome unless Mr. Edwards feels it is the morally right thing to do.
What percentage of women between the ages of 25 – 34 said they have experiences sexual harassment at work?
56% correctly picked two thirds.
What percentage of woman who say they experienced sexual harassment told their employer?
Whilst the correct figure was 30%, the most popular answer was 10% with 58% of the vote, conveying the need for the new duty to prevent harassment as a result of the continued prevalence of sexual harassment at work.
What is your company’s position of flexible working?
57% of attendants answered that they operate a 2 -3 days in the office policy which is in line with most companies’ policies post COVID.
Key takeaways from the event
The importance of staying informed on the legal developments in employment law is not just a compliance requirement, it is crucial for businesses to stay competitive in an ever-changing marketplace, especially heading into 2025 with more changes on the horizon.
BPE’s employment team are always on hand to assist with enquiries relating to employment law. To proactively safeguard your business and avoid potential legal pitfalls, sign up to our free employment law newsletters or consult with our experts today.
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These notes have been prepared for the purpose of articles only. They should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice.
