While the long-awaited Employment Bill is still nowhere in sight, 2023 has seen some significant employment law developments with the government backing an assortment of Private Members' Bills throughout the year. 2024 promises to be just as eventful, with several significant bills coming into force as early as 1 January. As we approach the new year, these are some of the key upcoming legislative developments to watch out for – and some brief suggestions on what you should think about doing in response.
| Legislation | Summary | Status | What can you do to prepare? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 | Introduces a positive duty on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of their employees. Failure to take such steps can result in a 25% uplift of any tribunal award. This is an additional obligation to the current position where employers are (and will continue to be) liable for actual harassment by their employees. In order to escape the existing liability, employers need to show that they have taken all reasonable steps to prevent harassment. | Enacted, came into force on 26 October 2023. | Familiarise yourself with the duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of employees. Review existing policies and practices around sexual harassment and offer training to staff on any updates. This new positive obligation means it is even more important to show meaningful action to safeguard employees against harassment. |
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The President of the Association of Yorubas in Diaspora, South Africa, Dr Olusola Agbeniyi, has asked the senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, to desist from making what he described ...