Keeping up with changes in employment law can feel like a full-time job. To help, our expert Employment Lawyer Ben Palmer, Partner at Ison Harrison Solicitors, has rounded up some of the key recent and upcoming legal changes that employers should be aware of, along with practical steps to stay compliant.

1. Sexual Harassment Prevention – Employers Now Have a Legal Duty to Act

Q What’s Changed?

BP: Since October 2024, the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 has meant that all employers now have a proactive duty to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Previously, businesses were only required to act after an incident occurred, but the new law means they must take reasonable steps to prevent harassment—or face potential legal consequences.

Q What Should Employers Do?

BP: Update Policies - Ensure you have a clear anti-harassment/ sexual harassment prevention policy that outlines expected behaviours, how to report issues, and how complaints will be handled. Ensure that risk assessments to mitigate the likelihood of sexual harassment are in place.

Provide Training: Implement regular training for all employees and managers to promote awareness and prevention.

Encourage Reporting: Foster a culture where employees feel safe reporting issues and have clear procedures in place should an employee with to raise a complaint.

2. Updated Flexible Working Rights – Requests Allowed from Day One

Q What’s Changed?

BP: Unfortunately many employers are still...

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