First published on Thursday, Feb 23, 2023
Last updated on Thursday, Feb 23, 2023
Read this week’s top HR headlines to find out why the Government is thinking of asking GPs for fewer sick notes, and which major country is giving staff menstrual leave. Plus, get the latest rail strike dates for your diary.
Have you heard the latest news?
Welcome to HR Heartbeat, where we give you a rundown of the week's top employment law stories. Stay on the pulse of current trends impacting your business. Plus get up-to-the-minute commentaries on all things HR and legal.
So, let’s check out this week’s headlines…
Jersey joins in on the King’s bank holiday
Jersey has followed Guernsey and the Isle of Man by making Monday 8th of May 2023 a bank holiday to mark the Coronation of King Charles III. Liberation Day, which is a separate bank holiday in the Channel Islands, takes place on Tuesday 9 May 2023. Watch our on-demand webinar on holiday entitlement to make sure your annual leave admin is up to date!
Doctor do little, or less!
The government is considering asking doctors to sign fewer people off sick, as part of its goal to encourage more people to remain at work and reduce long-term absence. But before you go running to your employee’s local GP—learn more about how sick notes work and your rights as an employer.
EU Settlement Scheme unlawful
The High Court has ruled against removing the right to live and work in the UK from people with pre-settled status if, after 5 years of living here, they do not reapply.
The Home Office has accepted this decision and will not lodge an appeal. But they have suggested that right-to-work guidance will be updated and encourage people to apply for full settled status as soon as they’re eligible.
Employers with staff who have a time-limited right to work (e.g., those with pre-settled status), should contact the Home Office for information on what to do if their staff’s status expires.
New First Minister for Scotland
Nicola Sturgeon has revealed she intends to resign as First Minister of Scotland and leader of the SNP. Her replacement may have different priorities and policies, which could impact employers and employment law in Scotland. The new leader will be confirmed on Monday 27th of March 2023—stay tuned for the latest advice.
Spain gives staff menstrual leave
Spain has become the first country in Europe to pass a new law which will give paid menstrual leave to staff. While there are no current plans to follow suit in the UK—employers should take note and support staff who suffer from work-disrupting conditions like endometriosis with effective absence management policies.
Strikes, strikes and more strikes!
Members of the Rail Maritime and Transport union from 14 operators will strike again on the 16th, 18th, 30th of March and the 1st of April 2023. Services in between these days will also be affected because of the previous day’s strike action. Download our guide on the latest absence and lateness trends and get tips to stay one step ahead of strikes.
And that’s a wrap. Tune in next week for more headlines and make sure you stay ahead of major employment law changes!