Calling for a clear implementation plan to guide employers and HR teams
When asked which forms of support would be most helpful, 40% of employers told us they’d like guidance from the government on implementing the changes. A third asked for support from professional bodies, such as the CIPD, and training materials for their HR teams and line managers.
In particular, employers are seeking support to develop new policies that align with legal requirements. This highlights the vital role the people profession will play in helping businesses understand the new requirements and how they impact workplace policies and day-to-day working practices.
Top of employers’ concerns are the proposed changes to unfair dismissal rules and new rights for trade unions. While we’re yet to see any significant detail on these from the government, we’ve called for more emphasis on supporting unions and employers to develop effective partnerships and employment relations skills.
Supporting smaller businesses to avoid accidental non-compliance
As well as rising costs, there’s a real risk of accidental non-compliance, especially for smaller employers with limited or no HR resources. The government’s impact assessment estimated a 15% increase in employment tribunal claims as a result of the bill’s measures.
Alongside support for employers, we’ve highlighted the need for additional resources for Acas, the Central Arbitration Committee and the employment tribunal system to help them cope with increased demand.
How we’re representing the voice of the people profession
As your professional body, we’re committed to helping you understand how the changes will impact your work and supporting you with a range of practical resources, including:
- Regular updates to our content, as and when there are developments.
We’re also actively engaging with the government to develop support and guidance for employers and represent the views and expertise of the people profession. We’ll continue to gather insights and views from the profession and ensure they’re heard at the highest level.