Better Business / Member news
Significant employment law changes take effect in 2024
This year, sweeping changes in employment law are set to take effect, with many becoming operational from April. Bristol based law firm Barcan+Kirby‘s employment partner Samantha Castle provides a comprehensive overview of the impending alterations.
The Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act 2023, coming into force in April, extends redundancy protection to pregnant employees in a ‘protected period of pregnancy,’ maternity, paternity, shared parental, or adoption leave returners up to 18 months post birth or placement, and employees who suffered a miscarriage before the employer’s awareness. Failure to comply with these provisions may result in unfair dismissal or discrimination claims.
From April 6, employees gain the right to request flexible working from their first day, with employers having a maximum of two months to respond and consult the employee if rejecting the request. Additionally, later in the year, fixed term, agency, and zero hours contract workers can request predictable working patterns twice within 12 months.
Holiday entitlements also see changes, with part year and irregular workers’ pay calculated at 12.07% of hours worked in the previous pay period. For TUPE transfers after July 1, specific consultation requirements apply.
Carer’s leave becomes a statutory right from April 6th, granting employees one week of unpaid leave annually to care for dependants, while further obligations on employers to protect against sexual harassment will be enforced from October under the worker protection (amendment of equality act 2010) act 2023.
To navigate these changes, employers can seek advice from Barcan+Kirby by calling 0117 325 2929 or visiting barcankirby.co.uk.
Main photo: Barcan+Kirby
Read next:
- University of Bristol launches IKEEP program with aim to empower charities
- Dan Norris visits City of Bristol College during colleges week
- ‘The Gloucester Road hub is now award winning for its sustainability measures’
Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
