January may feel as though it is going on forever, but April will come around sooner than you think! So what? Well, the Good Work Plan will be coming into force and it will definitely affect your business in one way or another.
Being labelled as one of the biggest shake ups of employment law, it has come about as a result of a review into the UK’s working practices. More businesses are using zero-hour workers and the gig economy is being more apparent. The review was necessary to ensure that our working practices reflect our labour market whilst treating workers fairly and transparently.
If you have been trying to avoid the Good Work Plan or you are sick of hearing about it, its implications will be huge and will affect all businesses. It is not going away, so it is better that you start preparing now and you are aware of what changes will be coming into force, rather than waiting until April.
What changes do employers need to be aware of?
- Providing a written statement of terms and conditions will become a day 1 right;
- Additional information will need to be included in the written statement;
- The holiday reference period will increase from 12 weeks to 52 weeks. If you employ workers on irregular hours, you will need to take an average of their pay over 52 weeks to calculate their holiday pay;
- From April, in order to break the continuity of service, there will need to be a break of 4 weeks rather than just one;
- Workers will be able to request a more “stable” contract once they have 26 weeks’ service.
What additional information do I need to include in the written statement?
- Stipulate whether there is a probationary period and whether there are any conditions imposed;
- Whether hours of work which your worker will need to undertake are variable and, if they vary, how they vary;
- Make reference to paid leave, such as maternity and paternity leave;
- List any benefits to which the employee is entitled;
- Confirm any training to which the employee is entitled or required to complete.
Need a helping hand?
Now is the perfect time to review your contracts, handbooks and policies before April comes along.
If you feel out of your depth, we can help you become Good Work ready by reviewing your contracts and handbooks for you. Take advantage of our limited time offer, which is running until the end of February, to review both your contract and handbook for £400 plus VAT. If you would simply like either your contract or handbook reviewed, we can do this for you for £250 plus VAT.
Get in touch to find out more! Give us a call on 0115 870 0150 or email us on support@guardianlaw.co.uk.