Monthly HR blog Newsletter – February 2025 | Consensus HR, Herts, Beds
Welcome to Consensus HR’s monthly blog recap! In this edition, we will be revisiting some of the key discussions from our February 2025 blogs. Here’s a selection of topics we covered:
- Employment Law Newsletter
- Important Health & Safety Update
- Tackling-illegal-working
- Rare-disease-day
- Autism in the Workplace in the UK
Thank you for joining us for this month’s recap. We hope these discussions provide valuable insights and actionable strategies for your HR practices. Stay tuned for more informative blogs in the coming months!
Employment Law Newsletter – February 2025:
In Brief:
The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has recently made significant rulings that affect employee rights in the workplace. First, the EAT clarified that an employee may be dismissed for a breakdown of trust and confidence, providing employers with a legal basis to terminate employment when this crucial relationship deteriorates. Secondly, the ruling confirmed that foster carers are eligible to bring claims before an Employment Tribunal, which is an important step for individuals in this role seeking employment protection rights. Lastly, a ruling established that consultants can be considered workers under the Employment Rights Act 1996 (ERA), granting them rights that were previously reserved for employees, such as protection against unfair dismissal and entitlement to statutory sick pay. These developments reflect the evolving landscape of employment law and emphasize the importance of understanding and adhering to the latest legal standards for both employers and employees.
To read the full blog,
Tackling Illegal Working:
The Home Office’s Immigration Enforcement teams have recently reported their most successful January in over half a decade, making significant strides in tackling illegal working across the UK. This marks a major part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to restore order to the immigration system through their “Plan for Change.”
Record-Breaking Enforcement Activity:
During January 2025, Immigration Enforcement teams visited 828 premises, a 48% increase in enforcement activity compared to the same month in 2024. These premises included a range of businesses, such as nail bars, convenience stores, restaurants, and car washes. In total, 609 arrests were made—an alarming 73% rise from the 352 arrests made in January 2024.
This surge in activity reflects the Home Office’s growing commitment to stamping out illegal working and exploitation. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper reinforced this message, stating, “The immigration rules must be respected and enforced. For far too long, employers have been able to take on and exploit illegal migrants, and too many people have been able to arrive and work illegally with no enforcement action ever taken… That’s why, as part of our Plan for Change, we are boosting enforcement to record levels.”
To read our full blog and Key Points
Important Health & Safety Update:
Managing Workplace Health & Safety: Key Updates and Best Practices:
Health and safety in the workplace is a critical priority for businesses, especially in industries where employees face significant risks. Recent data and case studies from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) highlight the importance of proactive measures in protecting workers. Below, we’ve compiled essential guidance and updates to help you ensure a safe working environment.
In this Update:
Stay updated on workplace health & safety with essential guidelines on welfare, asbestos management, gas safety in maternity units, and risks of display wall mounts for children. Learn about legal duties and best practices to protect employees and maintain compliance.
Workplace health, safety and welfare
The duty to manage asbestos – are you responsible?
Guidance to protect those using gas and air safely in maternity units
Display wall mount risk of serious crushing or impact injury to children:
To read the full blog,
Rare Disease Day
Supporting Inclusivity in the Workplace:
📅 28th February marks Rare Disease Day, a global initiative to raise awareness of rare diseases and the challenges faced by those affected. At Consensus HR, we believe in fostering inclusive workplaces that support employees with rare conditions, ensuring they can thrive professionally while managing their health.
Why Rare Disease Awareness Matters in the Workplace:
A rare disease is defined in Europe as a condition affecting fewer than 1 in 2,000 people, yet collectively, over 300 million people worldwide live with a rare disease. Many of these individuals face difficulties in the workplace, from managing symptoms to accessing reasonable adjustments.
Employers have a duty to promote equality, make necessary workplace adjustments, and support employee wellbeing in compliance with the Equality Act 2010. A more inclusive workplace not only benefits employees but also strengthens business culture, retention, and productivity.
To read our full blog and Key Points
CLICK HERE
Autism in the Workplace in the UK:
Legal Obligations and Best Practices for Inclusion:
At Consensus HR, we understand that creating a diverse and inclusive workplace is not only the right thing to do—it’s essential for fostering innovation and success. In the UK, supporting employees on the autism spectrum is guided by robust legal frameworks and best practice strategies. This blog explores the legal requirements and practical steps your organisation can take to ensure that your workplace is both compliant and truly inclusive.
Understanding Autism in the UK Workplace:
Autism is a lifelong condition that affects how individuals communicate, behave, and interact socially. Many people on the autism spectrum bring unique strengths such as exceptional attention to detail, innovative problem-solving skills, and a strong ability to focus on complex tasks. Recognising these attributes while acknowledging individual challenges is key to developing effective support systems in the workplace.
To read the full blog,
Wow! Two Awards for our HR Service 2025 /26 :
We are thrilled to announce that Consensus HR has once again been honoured with the London & South East Prestige Awards 2025-2026 and the E2 Media Awards for Excellence 2025! These accolades mark the latest in a series of recognitions for our commitment to HR excellence. Previously, we were proud recipients of the UK Enterprise Awards, being named HR Consultancy of the Year 2023 – Home Counties.
Matthew Chilcott, Owner of Consensus HR, expressed his gratitude, stating: “Receiving these awards multiple times is a testament to our team’s unwavering dedication to providing professional, pragmatic, and tailored HR solutions. We are deeply committed to supporting businesses across the region, ensuring they achieve the best from their teams while maintaining legal compliance.”
To read our full blog and Key Points
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