From an employment perspective, it's likely the Employment Rights Bill (ERB) will be passed this year, though many of the changes will be subject to consultations and probably won't come into force until 2026. We know that the changes to unfair dismissal – probably the most significant reform in the ERB – won't take effect until at least Autumn 2026. Costs to employers will rise this year in light of the significant increases to National Minimum Wage & National Living Wage, as well as increases to employer National Insurance contributions, coming into effect in April 2025. These costs, plus the additional expense likely to be associated with the ERB reforms, will no doubt impact businesses and some employers may be forced to reassess priorities.

There is certainly a lot of change on the horizon this year and we hope the articles in this edition help you keep abreast of developments.

If there is a topic you are particularly keen to hear about, please get in touch via the link at the bottom of the email.

James Baker

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