Lincolnshire businesses must prepare now for upcoming new employment laws

Businesses in Lincolnshire must be ready for new employment laws being introduced as soon as next month, according to a local HR expert.

This means updating documents, making employees aware of upcoming changes, and making plans for how these laws may impact operations.

Laura Reilly is an HR expert and owner of Taurus HR Solutions in Lincolnshire.  She says “It’s crucial for businesses to be proactive in understanding and adapting to these new laws.”

She continued, “Staying compliant not only protects the interests of employers but also helps maintain a fair and supportive work environment.”

The first new law is the Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act 2023, slated to be effective from April.

This legislation safeguards pregnant employees or those returning from maternity, adoption or shared parental leave during redundancy exercises.

Employers will be obligated to offer suitable alternative vacancies within 18 months after birth or adoption. Failure to comply may lead to consequences such as unfair dismissal and discrimination.

Next is the Carer’s Leave Act 2023, also set to be enforced from April. This act grants employees with caregiving responsibilities the legal right to take up to 5 days off annually.

These days will be unpaid and can be taken in full or half-day increments.

The Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023, will see employees gaining the right to request flexible working from day one, with an increased limit of two requests per year.

Rounding off the line-up is the Paternity Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024 giving fathers the chance to take their statutory paternity leave at any point in the first year (previously it was only allowed during the first 8 weeks) and will be able to split it up into two separate blocks of one week.

Laura said, “Given that some of these changes have been on the horizon since 2018, businesses need to act now to ensure they’re ready.

“My team and I are on hand to help any local business that needs help making the relevant updates.”

Lincolnshire business owners can arrange a free 15 minute consultation by visiting taurushr.co.uk.

Taurus HR Solutions outsources a full range of HR services to local businesses, as well as a number of learning and development courses.