HR Hub

Fuel rates for company car drivers

HMRC has announced new advisory fuel rates, from 1 March 2024, for employees using a company car.

Increase in compensation limits from April 2024

The limit on a ‘week’s pay’ and the various maximum employment tribunal awards will increase from 6 April 2024.

Pay data: three months to January 2024

Various research bodies have published pay data for the three months to the end of January 2024, as well as looking forward over the next year.

Fire and rehire code of practice

A revised code of practice covering dismissal and re-engagement (commonly known as fire and rehire) has been published which will come into force in the summer of 2024.

January 2024 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in January 2024, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 4.0%.

Tribunal fees - again

The government wants to reintroduce fees for employment tribunal claims and appeals to the EAT.

Increases to illegal working penalties

Fines under the right-to-work civil penalty scheme are to be tripled, from February 2024, for employers who breach the rules.

Pay data: three months to December 2023

Various research bodies have published pay data for the three months to the end of 2023, as well as a look ahead to what’s in store for 2024.

Paternity leave: minor changes

Some relatively minor changes will be made to the statutory paternity leave scheme.

December 2023 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in December 2023, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 4.0%.

Pay data: three months to November 2023

Various research bodies have published pay data for the three months to the end of November 2023.

November 2023 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in November 2023, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 3.9%.

Extending redundancy protection for women and new parents

Expectant employees will, from April 2024, receive greater protection from redundancy during pregnancy and new parents will have extended protections when they return from maternity, adoption and shared parental leave.

Carer's leave

Employees who care for a dependant with a long-term care need will be entitled, from 6 April 2024, to one week of flexible unpaid leave per year.

Flexible working Day 1 right as of April 2024

From 6 April 2024, the right to make a flexible working application applies from the first day of an employee’s employment.

Statutory parental, bereavement and SSP payments from April 2024

The weekly rates that will apply from 8 April 2024 to statutory maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption and bereavement pay, as well as statutory sick pay are as follows:

Pay data: three months to October 2023

Various research bodies have published pay data for the three months to the end of October 2023.

NMW and NLW rates from April 2024

The National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage rates will increase from 1 April 2024 as follows:

Using agency workers during strikes: new consultation

A fresh consultation on allowing agency workers to cover employees who are on strike has been launched.

October 2023 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in October 2023, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 4.6%.

Preservation of EU-derived discrimination protections

Regulations will reproduce in domestic law specific discrimination protections derived from EU law that would otherwise have fallen away at the end of 2023.

Holidays, TUPE and working time records: retained EU law

The government has responded with its final plans on various aspects of retained EU law, covering TUPE, the Working Time Regulations and holidays and holiday pay.

Ex-offenders and declaration of convictions

The period of time that those with criminal convictions are required to declare them to employers has been reduced.

Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023

A new duty on employers to take steps to prevent sexual harassment of their employees will come into force in 2024.

Pay data: three months to September 2023

Various research bodies have published pay data for the three months to the end of September 2023.

September 2023 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in September 2023, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was unchanged at 6.7%.

Monitoring at work: finalised ICO guidance

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has published new workplace monitoring guidance.

Pay data: three months to August 2023

Various research bodies have published pay data for the three months to the end of August 2023.

August 2023 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in August 2023, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 6.7%.

Predictable working patterns: right to request

Workers are to be given the legal right to request a predictable working pattern, but not until 2024.

COVID-19: updated ACAS guidance

ACAS has updated its coronavirus guidance for employers and employees.

Pay data: three months to July 2023

Various research bodies have published pay data for the three months to the end of July 2023.

July 2023 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in July 2023, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 6.8%.

Pay data: three months to June 2023

Various research bodies have published pay data for the three months to the end of June 2023.

Flexible working: changes on the horizon

Significant changes to the process of flexible working requests are to be introduced.

Agency workers and strikes

Legislation allowing employers to replace striking staff with temporary workers is unlawful and has been quashed.

June 2023 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in June 2023, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 7.9%.

Handling subject access requests - updated guide

An updated guide to handling subject access requests has been included in our Knowledge section.

Pay data: three months to May 2023

Various research bodies have published pay data for the three months to the end of May 2023.

May 2023 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in May 2023, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 8.7%.

Neonatal leave and pay

Eligible employed parents whose new-born baby is admitted to neonatal care will be able to take 12 weeks paid leave, in addition to their other leave entitlements such as maternity and paternity leave.

Subject access requests (SARs) - new guidance

New guidance for employers on responding to subject access requests (SARs) has been published by the Information Commissioner’s Office.

Pay data: three months to April 2023

Various research bodies have published pay data for the three months to the end of April 2023, traditionally the busiest time of year for pay reviews.

April 2023 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in April 2023, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 8.7%.

Post-Brexit changes to employment law

Changes to some aspects of employment law have been outlined in a policy paper, including to TUPE, holiday pay and non-compete clauses.

Tips, gratuities and service charges

Holding back tips and service charges from workers will be made illegal, but not until 2024.

Pay data: three months to March 2023

Three pay research bodies have published pay data for the three months to the end of March 2023.

March 2023 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in March 2023, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 10.1%.

Ethnicity pay reporting guide

A guide to measuring, reporting on and addressing any ethnicity pay gaps has been published.

Pay data: three months to February 2023

Three pay research bodies have published pay data for the three months to the end of February 2023.

Whistleblowing law review

The effectiveness of the current law on whistleblowing is being reviewed.

Injury to feelings awards - updated Vento guidelines

The bands of awards for injury to feelings in discrimination cases, known as the Vento bands, have been updated in respect of claims after 6 April 2023

February 2023 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in February 2023, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 10.4%.

Increase in compensation limits from April 2023

The limit on a ‘week’s pay’ and the various maximum employment tribunal awards will increase from 6 April 2023.

Pay data: three months to January 2023

Various pay research bodies have published pay data for the three months to the end of January 2023, as well as forecasts for 2023 more generally.

January 2023 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in January 2023, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 10.1%.

Pay data: three months to December 2022

Three pay research bodies have published pay data for the three months to the end of December 2022.

December 2022 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in December 2022, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 10.5%.

Holiday pay: part-year and irregular hours workers

Proposals to pro-rata holiday entitlement for part-year and irregular hours workers (based on the annual hours they work) have been published.

Pay data: three months to November 2022

Three research organisations have published pay data for the three months to the end of November 2022.

November 2022 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in November 2022, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 10.7%.

Flexible Working Bill

Changes to the existing right to request flexible working arrangements will be taken forward via a Private Members’ Bill.

Statutory parental, bereavement and SSP payments from April 2023

The weekly rates that will apply from 10 April 2023 to statutory maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption and bereavement pay, as well as statutory sick pay are as follows:

Pay data: three months to October 2022

Various pay research organisations have published pay data for the three months to the end of October 2022, as well as predictions for the future.

NMW and NLW rates from April 2023

The National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage rates will increase from 1 April 2023 as follows:

October 2022 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in October 2022, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 11.1%.

Pay data: three months to September 2022

Three pay research organisations have published pay data for the three months to the end of September 2022.

Monitoring at work: draft guidance

Draft guidance on monitoring at work has been published.

September 2022 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in September 2022, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 10.1%.

IR35 - as you were

There will no changes to the IR35 rules.

Right-to-work checks post-1 October 2022

The COVID-related temporary concessions allowing employers greater flexibility when conducting right-to-work (RTW) checks ended on 30 September and, from 1 October 2022, such checks must be carried out in one of three prescribed ways.

Fundamental changes to employment law by end of 2023?

On 22 September 2022, the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill was introduced to the House of Commons and, if passed could give rise to a significant shake up of employment rights.

Pay data: three months to August 2022

Two research organisations have published pay data for the three months to the end of August 2022.

Real Living Wage increases

The Real Living Wage (RLW) has increased by the biggest percentage in its 10-year history.

August 2022 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in August 2022, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 9.9%.

Pay data: three months to July 2022

Various research organisations have published pay data for the three months to the end of July 2022.

July 2022 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in July 2022, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 10.1%.

Data Reform Bill

Significant reforms to the UK’s data protection regime will be introduced by the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill.

Pay data: three months to June 2022

Three research organisations have published pay data for the three months to the end of June 2022.

Employment status: no legislation but a guide

Rather than legislate to reform the current system of employment status, the government has instead produced new guides.

June 2022 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in June 2022, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 9.4%.

Pay data: three months to May 2022

Various research organisations have published pay data for the three months to the end of May 2022.

May 2022 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in May 2022, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 9.1%.

Fit note changes

From 1 July 2022 a wider range of healthcare professionals will be able to certify fit notes.

Pay data: three months to April 2022

Various research organisations have published pay data for the three months to the end of April 2022.

April 2022 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in April 2022, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 9.0%.

Data protection and personal data post-COVID-19

Following the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, the Information Commissioner (ICO) has reminded employers of their data protection obligations as regards the use of personal information.

Pay data: three months to March-April 2022

Various research organisations have published pay data for the three months to the end of March and April 2022.

March 2022 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in March 2022, as measured by the CPI, was 7.0%.

Pay data: three months to February 2022

Various research organisations have published pay data for the three months to the end of February 2022.

April 2022 HR and employment law changes

A brief reminder of the employment law and HR-related changes taking effect in April 2022.

P&O - how could it happen?

The plight of the P&O employees publicly dismissed in a pre-recorded statement, with an army of allegedly lower paid agency workers waiting to take over from them, standing shoulder to shoulder with security guards employed to ensure a changing of the guard, has drawn condemnation from all sides of government. Beverley Sunderland, Managing Director at Crossland Employment Solicitors, offers some thoughts.

February 2022 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in February 2022, as measured by the CPI, was 6.2%.

Ethnicity pay gap: no mandatory reporting

Legislation requiring the mandatory reporting of ethnicity pay gaps will not be introduced.

Right to work checks: new guide

A guide to checks employers should carry out on an individual’s right to work has been published.

Illegal working: updated codes

Two updated codes of practice concerning the prevention of illegal working have been published.

End of COVID-19 restrictions and the return to the workplace

With almost all COVID-19 restrictions lifted or about to be lifted, we look at how employers should approach the return to the office.

Increase in compensation limits from April 2022

The limit on a ‘week’s pay’ and the various maximum employment tribunal awards will increase from 6 April 2022.

SSP rebate scheme closure

The Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme closes for COVID-19-related absences after 17 March 2022.

Pay data: three months to January 2022

Various research organisations have published pay data for the three months to the end of January 2022.

Right-to-work checks: further extension

The Home Office has published updated guidance for employers carrying out ‘adjusted’ COVID-19 right-to-work checks.

January 2022 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in January 2022, as measured by the CPI, was 5.5%.

Pay data: three months to December 2021

Various research organisations have published pay data for the three months to the end of December 2021, as well as forecasts for early 2022.

Right-to-work checks from April 2022

From 6 April 2022 holders of biometric cards will only be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK by using the Home Office online service. Employers will also be able to use certified technology to carry out digital identity checks on new employees.

December 2021 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in December 2021, as measured by the CPI, was 5.4%.

PPE for 'workers' as well as employees

From 6 April 2022, employers will have to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to workers, as well as employees, who may be exposed to health and safety risks at work.

Pay data: three months to November 2021

Various research organisations have published pay data for the three months to the end of November 2021.

SSP rebate scheme reintroduced

In response to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant and its resulting effect on business, the SSP rebate scheme has been reactivated as of 21 December 2021.

SSP self-certification extension

Employees can now self-certify for SSP purposes for 28 calendar days rather than seven days.

Disability workforce reporting

A consultation on requiring large employers to report on workplace disability issues has been published.

November 2021 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in November 2021, as measured by the CPI, was 5.1%.

A new implied term?

A recent discussion in the Court of Appeal seems to have opened up the possibility of an implied duty to act fairly in disciplinary processes, separate from the obligations under the implied term of trust and confidence.

Statutory parental, bereavement and SSP payments from April 2022

The weekly rates that will apply from 11 April 2022 to statutory maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoption and bereavement pay, as well as statutory sick pay are as follows:

EU Settlement Scheme: employees with settlement status

Migrate UK has flagged up an important update for those with pre-settled and settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Pay data: three months to October 2021

Various research organisations have published pay data for the three months to the end of October 2021.

October 2021 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in October 2021, as measured by the CPI, was 4.2%.

NMW rates from April 2022

The rates of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) will be increased from 1 April 2022 as follows:

Pay data: three months to September 2021

Various research organisations have published pay data for the three months to the end of September 2021.

September 2021 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in September 2021, as measured by the CPI, was 3.1%.

Pay data: three months to August 2021

Various research organisations have published pay data for the three months to the end of August 2021.

Flexible working consultation

A consultation on amending the right to request flexible working has been published.

SSP rebate scheme ends on 30 September

The Coronavirus Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) rebate scheme will end on 30 September 2021.

End of shielding programme

People previously considered to be clinically extremely vulnerable will no longer be advised to follow shielding guidance.

August 2021 inflation data

The UK’s inflation rate in August 2021, as measured by the CPI, was 3.2%.

Right to work checks: end of COVID-19 temporary changes

On 5 April 2022 the COVID-19 right-to-work concession allowing employers to carry out right-to-work checks by video call, mobile app or email will end.

Pay data: three months to July 2021

Various research organisations have published pay data for the three months to the end of July 2021.

July 2021 inflation data

The UK’s main inflation measure in July 2021 was 2.0%.

SSP changes and right to request workplace modifications

Reforms to SSP have been ruled out and there will be no new right to request workplace modifications.

Pay data: three months to June 2021

Various research organisations have published pay data for the three months to the end of June 2021.

Returning to work after 19 July 2021

What are the implications for employers of the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions on 'Freedom Day'?

June 2021 inflation data

The UK’s main inflation measure in June 2021 was 2.5%.

EU and UK data flows

The EU Commission has adopted 'adequacy decisions' which enable the continued free flow of personal data from the EU into the UK.

Pay data: three months to May 2021

Various research organisations have published pay data for the three months to the end of May 2021 which appear to confirm an uptick in settlement levels.

May 2021 inflation data

The UK’s main inflation measure in May 2021 was 2.1%.

New labour market enforcement agency

A new workers’ watchdog – a single enforcement body for employment rights – is to be set up the government has confirmed.

'Workers' to benefit from health and safety detriment protection

From 31 May 2021, ‘workers’ as well as employees will gain the right not to be subjected to a detriment in health and safety cases.

Pay data: three months to April 2021

Various research organisations have published pay data for the three months to the end of April 2021 which seem to show an uptick in settlement levels.

April 2021 inflation data

The UK’s main inflation measure in April 2021 was 1.5%.

Employment status - Addison Lee refused leave to appeal

The Court of Appeal has refused Addison Lee permission to appeal from the EAT decision that its drivers are ‘workers’.

Pay data: three months to March 2021

Various research organisations have published pay data for the three months to the end of March 2021.

March 2021 inflation data

The UK’s main inflation measure in March 2021 was 0.7%.

Pay data: three months to February 2021

Various research organisations have published pay data for the three months to the end of February 2021.

February 2021 inflation data

The UK’s main inflation measure in February 2021 was 0.4%.

NMW: retention of records

The period for which employers, liable to pay the National Minimum Wage (NMW), must retain records has been doubled.

Shielding: updated advice for clinically vulnerable

Public Health England has updated its shielding advice for the nearly four million people who’ve been categorised as extremely clinically vulnerable.

COVID-19 testing and data protection

We look at some of the data protection issues around testing employees at work for COVID-19.

Modern slavery: new registry launched

A central registry for modern slavery statements has been launched.

April 2021 HR changes

A brief reminder of the changes happening in April 2021 as they affect HR.

Budget 2021 - HR summary

The inevitable headline of the March 2021 Budget is the extension of the furlough scheme but there are other matters of note for HR.