Employment law changes are coming –
How can care services get ready?
How prepared is your care service for the upcoming Employment Rights Bill changes?
It doesn’t matter if it’s the first you’re hearing of it or if you’ve been keeping an eye on its progress, the dubbed ‘biggest employment law shift in a generation’ will always feel daunting. Our partners at Citation have stepped in with some ways you can plan and prepare.
The Employment Rights Bill is now in its last stages. It’s expected to face the final step before it becomes law (Royal Assent) in early November. We shared the government’s expected timeline for key changes, but how can you start to get ready now?
What care businesses can do now to prepare
You’ll likely see more updates coming soon as the Bill becomes law. But it’s always smart to get ahead if you can.
Here are five areas you can review:
Probations and dismissals
- Check contracts have clear probation clauses, including information on length, extensions, and notice periods
- Have formal probation reviews – have set check-in points and make sure line managers hold structured meetings
- Train managers to document concerns and provide feedback throughout the probation period
- Issue and document clear written reasons for dismissal to help future-proof for day-one unfair dismissals
Contracts and policies
- Make sure flexibility clauses up-to-date and legally sound
- Check that maternity, paternity, and other family-friendly policies are clear and consistent
- Confirm notice periods and termination clauses are compliant and practical
Sick pay and managing absences
- Audit how you manage statutory sick pay (SSP) including eligibility, waiting days and record keeping
- Make sure it’s simple, clear, and communicated to staff how they report absences
- Accurately track any and all absences – this will make changes to SSP easier
Train managers
- Give managers training on how to handle absences, performance, and dismissals fairly and consistently
- Check they can competently document and note take, especially for probation reviews and investigation records
- Make sure managers are confident to have ‘difficult conversations’ early to reduce future disputes and claims
HR and payroll systems
- Make sure systems can accurately track start dates, service length, probation reviews, and absence data
- Build functions so you can calculate new entitlements if thresholds change
These steps won’t make you fully compliant, but they’re a great way to make a start.
Citation: Helping care services get head
As leading UK compliant experts, Citation already support care providers like you to prepare for the Employment Rights Bill.
From contract audits and policy reviews to manager training and tribunal protection, our HR and Employment Law services take the pressure off, especially in sectors with complex regulations.
If you’d like to chat about how Citation can help with your HR and Health & Safety, give us a call on 0345 844 1111 or visit our website. And remember to let us know you’re a WMCA member to access preferential rates.
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