Monthly HR blog Newsletter – April 2025 | Consensus HR, Herts, Beds Copy
Welcome to Consensus HR’s monthly blog recap! In this edition, we will be revisiting some of the key discussions from our March 2025 blogs. Here’s a selection of topics we covered:
- Employment Rights Bill Amendments
- Employment Law Newsletter – March-25
- World Autism Acceptance Week: 31 March – 6 April:
- World Down Syndrome Day 2025
- Health & Safety Update
- International Day of Happiness 2025
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 Rights Bill Amendments:
The UK Government has made amendments to the Employment Rights Bill, which the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) believes provide greater clarity on key aspects, such as Statutory Sick Pay and collective consultations. While these updates offer some much-needed detail to help businesses prepare, concerns remain about the feasibility of certain provisions—particularly regarding zero hours contracts and trade union recognition.
To read the full blog,
Employment Law Newsletter – March-25:
In brief
- Acas has published a report on neurodiversity at work written by researchers at Birkbeck, University of London. The report emphasises the importance of neurodiversity training and proactive action to support neurodivergent employees, noting that around 15 to 20% of adults are neurodivergent (with prevalence varying by condition, gender and industry).
- The Department for Business and Trade has published the Governments response to the consultation Making Work Pay: creating a modern framework for industrial relations.
- The Ministry of Justice has announced it proposes to increase selected court and tribunal fees from April 2025. Most of the fees in scope will be increased by 3.2%, reflecting the change in CPI between March 2023 and March 2024, but a “small number” will be increased by 13.5% to account for backdated inflation to March 2022.
- The House of Lords Committee on Home-based Working has published a call for written evidence for its inquiry into the effects and future development of remote and hybrid working in the UK. The Committee is looking to understand the impact of this type of work on productivity and the broader consequences to the economy and communities. The deadline for submissions is 10.00am on 25th April 2025.
To read our full blog:
World Autism Acceptance Week: 31 March – 6 April:
World Autism Acceptance Week: 31 March – 6 April | Supporting Neurodiversity in the Workplace
At Consensus HR, we are committed to creating inclusive workplaces where everyone, including autistic employees, can thrive. World Autism Acceptance Week (31 March – 6 April) is a crucial time to raise awareness and promote understanding of autism in the workplace.
Why Autism Acceptance Matters in Business:
Employers who embrace neurodiversity benefit from a workforce rich in different perspectives, problem-solving approaches, and innovation. However, for many autistic individuals, workplace challenges such as communication barriers, sensory sensitivities, and structured environments can make employment difficult. With the right HR policies and support, businesses can ensure all employees feel valued and empowered.
To read our latest blog:
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World Down Syndrome Day 2025:
World Down Syndrome Day 2025: Promoting Inclusion & Workplace Equality:
By Matthew Chilcott, Owner, Consensus HR
On 21st March 2025, people worldwide will celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, a global awareness event recognised by the United Nations to advocate for the rights, inclusion, and wellbeing of individuals with Down syndrome.
At Consensus HR, we believe that workplaces should be inclusive, diverse, and supportive for all employees. Employers have a legal and moral responsibility to create an accessible and equal working environment, ensuring that individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities have fair employment opportunities.
Why Is Workplace Inclusion Important?
Employing individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities is not just about compliance with the Equality Act 2010—it brings significant benefits to businesses, including:
✔ Enhanced Team Culture – Diverse teams foster collaboration, empathy, and creativity.
✔ Improved Employee Morale – Inclusive workplaces promote a positive and supportive environment.
✔ Stronger Brand Reputation – Companies that embrace inclusivity are seen as ethical and forward-thinking.
✔ Access to a Wider Talent Pool – Hiring diverse candidates ensures valuable skills and unique perspectives are recognised.
Employer Responsibilities Under the Equality Act 2010
To read our full blog:
Health & Safety Update:
Manual handling at work: guidance on the law:
As an employer, you must protect your workers from the risks of manual handling injuries in the workplace.
You can find help with preventing these sort of risks in your workplace on our manual handling webpages.
We have a range of information and guidance for employers, including sections on assessing manual handling and training for workers.
There are also links to a variety of useful resources, which include our free-to-download publications:
To read our latest blog:
International Day of Happiness 2025:
International Day of Happiness 2025: How to Create a Positive Workplace:
By Matthew Chilcott, Owner, Consensus HR
On 20th March 2025, people across the world will celebrate the International Day of Happiness, a United Nations initiative recognising the importance of happiness and wellbeing in all aspects of life—including the workplace.
At Consensus HR, we know that a happy workforce is a productive workforce. Employers who prioritise employee wellbeing, engagement, and workplace culture see higher retention rates, reduced absenteeism, and improved performance. But how can businesses create a happier workplace?
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