A Postcard to HR

Dear HR friend

Just thought I would catch up with you to say “hi” and share my Autumn (and beyond) to do list. There is A LOT of employment law change we need to focus on, especially with the impending Employment Rights Bill (ERB) and its implementation timetable. We have some time – on some things, at least – but we do need to get prepared. I hope my “to do” list, will help with yours:

• Review contracts – when were employment contracts last reviewed? A review should not only ensure that your contracts are legally compliant (with a highlight on variation and probation clauses), but also that they are “fit for purpose” and protect the business. Review notice periods, business protection clauses as well as termination options. Also, think when is pay review time as contract changes can be linked to pay reviews? If it is April 2026 (or earlier), best to start now so get in touch.
• Policies and handbooks – policies should not only be legally compliant but also reflect the culture of the organisation, so maybe dust them off? A number of clients are also ditching the “policy” in favour of asking me to draft a suite of user-friendly “Q+A” guides. Something to think about.
  
• Legal and leadership training – the ERB is going to bring with it a raft of changes which will impact all aspects of workplace management from recruitment to dismissal. Why not start now by getting your managers up to speed with the tools and confidence they need to spot, manage, and raise employee-related processes by arranging a legal/leadership training course with Doyle Clayton. Notable training course topics include conduct, performance and absence management, probation, and onboarding as well as training on equality and inclusion (Equality Act 2010). Also, compliance topics such as right to work checks and Data Protection/requests . Courses can be in person, virtual and at times to suit the business. I recommend my Manager Essentials course which mixes the legal risks with the practical knowhow in an interactive way - people management is not an “HR thing.”
• Sexual/harassment changes to watch – we saw the introduction of new preventative duties on employers when it comes to workplace sexual harassment last October. However, the changes to the preventative duty under the ERB are going to shine an even greater spotlight on the steps employers are/not taking. Moreover, the introduction of employer liability for all forms of harassment by third parties is another area to consider in both risk assessments and training. We have a suite of support and training packages available to help guide you through.
• Stay up to date - whether its newsletters, webinars, podcasts, open training courses or briefings, now is the time to sign up, tune in and listen to our Doyle Clayton content. Check out our website where you can find all our previous webinars, podcasts, and details of how to subscribe.
• Put on the OOO – if you have been or are going away, or if you are planning an Autumn retreat, remember holidays are important. I am reminded of the phrase: “put your own lifejacket on first” – and it is so true. As HR must ensure others are taking their holiday and rest breaks, so too must they.

Let us catch up in September – we have much planned to get you ready for the Employment Rights Bill with briefings, updates, and courses. Our next webinar is 17 September 2025, 12:00-12:45 (an employment and immigration update) so “virtually” see you then. Drop me a line and let’s chat.

Best, Emma