Experts at the HR Dept in Swindon are urging businesses to review their workplace policies and risk assessments immediately to avoid potential tribunal claims and ensure compliance.
At the start of October, the statutory time limit for employees to lodge most employment tribunal claims - including unfair dismissal, discrimination, whistleblowing, and unlawful deductions from wages - is extending from three months to six months.
For employers, this change doubles the window during which potential disputes can emerge, reinforcing the need to maintain thorough documentation for significantly longer periods following workplace decisions.
At the end of October, new rules on sexual harassment are being introduced, which move the employer’s position from taking ‘reasonable steps to ‘all reasonable steps’ to protect employees.
“Although this change seems only subtle, in reality it will make a big difference, putting the onus on employers to being much more proactive in preventing sexual harassment rather than reactive to issues raised,” said Helen Imbusi, Head of HR Consultancy at the HR Dept.
“Employers must now actively spot risks and take every reasonable step to protect their staff.
"This legal obligation also covers harassment from third parties like clients, customers, or contractors.”
Helen said a robust risk...
ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI Singapore’s embassy in Jakarta rejected social media claims that Dino Patti Djalal and Saiful Mujani visited the ambassador’s residence, calling them “clearly disinformation”...