Stay ahead of the curve with our comprehensive review of the key employment law changes impacting UK workplaces in 2024.
Brexit's Impact on Employment Rights
2024 marked a pivotal shift as UK employment tribunals and courts were released from EU case law obligations. To preserve essential workers' rights, significant updates were implemented, particularly around:
- Holiday pay — Adjustments to calculation methods
- Entitlements — Ensuring compliance with post-Brexit standards
Enhanced Rights for Working Parents and Carers
April 2024 brought transformative changes for parents and carers, including:
- Unpaid carer's leave — Supporting individuals with long-term care needs
- Flexible paternity leave — Offering adaptable leave arrangements during a child's first year
- Day-one flexible working — Employees can now make up to two flexible working requests annually
- Extended redundancy protections — Safeguarding pregnant employees and new parents for 18 months post-birth/adoption
Notable cases such as Hilton Foods Solutions Ltd v Wright and Rawlins v DPD Group UK Ltd reinforced these rights. In Hinds v Mitie, substantial compensation underscored the consequences of failing to support pregnant employees.
Major Changes to Dismissal Procedures
The controversial practice of 'fire and rehire' underwent critical reforms under the July 2024 Statutory Code of Practice:
- Stricter consultation requirements prior to dismissal and re-engagement
- Dismissal as a last resort — prioritising alternative resolutions
- Extended redundancy protections for expecting and new parents
Sexual Harassment Prevention: New Employer Duties
In October 2024, groundbreaking measures were introduced to combat workplace harassment:
- Proactive employer duties — Mandating active prevention of sexual harassment
- Enhanced enforcement — Expanded powers for the Equality and Human Rights Commission
- Stronger tribunal penalties — Up to 25% increases in awards for non-compliance
- Third-party harassment protections — Addressing risks from clients, contractors, and visitors
The case of Rustambekov v Fieldfisher LLP highlighted the critical need for robust harassment investigations and disciplinary actions.
Pay and Holiday Updates
2024 brought several important updates to workplace compensation:
- National Living Wage expansion — Now includes workers aged 21 and over
- Transparent tip distribution — Ensuring fair allocation
- Holiday pay reforms — Updated calculations for workers with irregular hours
- Leave carry-over rules — Clarifications introduced post-Brexit
Looking Ahead to 2025
While 2024 has been a landmark year, 2025 is anticipated to be quieter, with major reforms likely in 2026 under the Employment Rights Bill.
Key Takeaways
- Enhanced protections for working parents and carers
- Stricter controls on dismissal procedures
- New employer obligations for preventing workplace harassment
- Updated pay and holiday entitlements
- Post-Brexit clarifications on employment rights
For expert HR advice or support, contact Natalie or Faye on 01327 640070, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed on the latest updates!
