Peter Cheese, chief executive of the CIPD has spoken about the significance of the incoming measures contained within the Employment Rights Act. He has said April 6th marks a significant moment for some of the most substantial elements of the Act. He notes that while many employers have been preparing for this moment, all organisations must be aware of the reforms that now become law. “The changes are far reaching,” he says, “from the expansion of day one family-related rights, to changes to statutory sick pay, reforms to the statutory recognition process for trade unions, and penalties for non-compliance.”

He believes the focus for employers now needs to shift from preparation to compliance and to do this, employers need to share updated workplace polices and clearly communicate these to all staff – particularly line managers who will need to understand the potential implications for their teams and the queries they may raise.

“The CIPD warns that some elements of the Act may lead to increased conflict at work,” says Cheese. “The CIPD’s February Labour Market Outlook found that more than half of employers surveyed (55 per cent) anticipate a rise in workplace conflict from one or more elements of the Act. This highlights the need for effective people management processes and sits alongside new reforms to trade union legislation.

“This month’s changes to trade union recognition pave the way for the next phase of reforms relating to trade unions coming in across this year,...

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