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Recap of 2024: Key Developments in HR | Consensus HR in Herts & Beds

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Recap of 2024

Recap of 2024: Key Developments in HR and How Consensus HR Can Help:

As we reflect on 2024, it’s clear that the year brought significant developments in the world of HR. From new legislation to increased focus on employee wellbeing, businesses faced numerous challenges in managing their teams effectively while staying compliant with UK law.

At Consensus HR, we’ve been at the forefront of helping businesses navigate these changes with confidence and expertise. As we step into 2025, here’s a look back at some of the key HR highlights of 2024 and how we can support your business moving forward.

 

Key HR Highlights from 2024:

  1. Introduction of the Worker Protection Act:

The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 came into effect, placing new responsibilities on employers to prevent harassment in the workplace. This legislation requires businesses to:

  • Implement proactive measures to prevent harassment, including third-party harassment.
  • Review and update workplace policies to ensure they meet the new standards.
    At Consensus HR, we worked closely with businesses to update their policies, provide training, and ensure full compliance with this important change.

  1. Increased Focus on Mental Health and Wellbeing:

Employee wellbeing remained a top priority in 2024, with businesses increasingly adopting practices to support mental health. Flexible working arrangements, mental health awareness training, and robust absence management processes became essential tools for retaining talent and improving workplace morale.

  1. National Minimum Wage and Living Wage Updates:

The government announced updates to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) rates, requiring businesses to review and adjust their payroll systems. Non-compliance with these changes risked significant penalties.

  1. Streamlining HR with Technology:

The adoption of HR software like Breathe HR grew, enabling businesses to manage employee records, absences, and performance reviews with greater efficiency. Automation became a key focus for businesses looking to reduce administrative burdens.

  1. Ongoing Employment Tribunal Cases:

2024 saw a rise in employment tribunal cases, particularly related to unfair dismissal and discrimination. These cases highlighted the importance of clear HR processes, compliant policies, and well-documented procedures.

How Consensus HR Supported Businesses in 2024:

Throughout 2024, we partnered with businesses to provide tailored HR solutions, including:

  • Retained HR Services: Offering unlimited advice and ongoing support to help businesses navigate complex HR issues.
  • Employee Contracts and Handbooks: Ensuring legal compliance with bespoke documentation.
  • Leadership Development: Delivering workshops to equip managers with the skills needed to lead effectively.
  • HR Health Checks: Conducting initial reviews to identify gaps in compliance and best practices and providing a detailed proposal.
  • HR Technology Integration: Helping businesses streamline operations with the Breathe HR software package.

 Looking Ahead: How Consensus HR Can Help You in 2025:

With 2024’s lessons in mind, we’re ready to help your business tackle 2025’s challenges. Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a management team, partnering with Consensus HR ensures you’re equipped to manage your workforce confidently and compliantly.

Our Key Services Include:

  • Employment Law Updates: Stay ahead of legislative changes and avoid compliance risks.
  • Proactive Employee Management: From hiring to performance reviews, we’ll guide you through every stage of the employee lifecycle.
  • Tailored HR Support: Whether it’s drafting contracts, handling grievances, or navigating redundancy processes, we provide clear, practical advice.
  • Wellbeing Strategies: Implement programmes to support mental health and create a positive workplace culture.

Why Choose Consensus HR?

With multiple awards, including SME-Focused HR Consultancy of the Year 2024 – Home Counties, we’ve earned the trust of businesses across various industries. Our tailored, jargon-free solutions are designed to meet your unique needs, helping you manage HR effectively and focus on growing your business.

Get in Touch:

Start 2025 with the confidence that comes from having a trusted HR partner by your side. Contact Consensus HR today:

📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 01438 576750
🌐 Website: www.consensushr.com

Let’s ensure your business thrives in 2025 and beyond.

Matthew Chilcott
Owner, Consensus HR

“People are your greatest asset—let us help you get the best from them.”

 

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Kings Speech – July 2024 – what does it mean to businesses and their HR? | Consensus HR in Herts & Beds

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Following the King’s Speech on Wednesday 17th July 2024, Consensus HR noticed several implications for Human Resources (HR) within businesses in the UK. As expected, the speech outlined the new government’s (Labour) priorities and legislative agenda under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration. Here are some of the key points relevant to HR:

1. Employment Law and Workers’ Rights:

    • There are plans to strengthen workers’ rights, including proposals for fairer wages and better working conditions. This includes potentially increasing the minimum wage and ensuring more secure contracts for workers.
    • The government is also focusing on improving parental leave and flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.

2. Skills and Training:

    • Emphasis is being placed on upskilling the workforce. Businesses may need to invest more in training and development programs to align with government initiatives aimed at enhancing productivity and innovation.

3. Diversity and Inclusion:

    • There is a renewed commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This includes measures to close gender and ethnicity pay gaps and to ensure equal opportunities for all employees.

4. Health and Well-being:

    • The government intends to enhance mental health support within workplaces. Employers might need to implement more comprehensive health and well-being programs to comply with new regulations and support their employees’ mental health

5. Regulatory Changes:

      • There will be updates to existing employment regulations to ensure they are fit for the modern workplace, particularly in the context of remote and hybrid working arrangements.

6. Environmental Policies:

      • The government’s push towards a greener economy means businesses might need to adopt more sustainable practices. This could involve changes in how businesses operate and manage their resources, impacting HR policies related to sustainability training and green initiatives.
Updated guidance on the new sexual harassment legislation – Consensus HR in Herts, Beds

Our HR comment:

Kings Speech – July 2024 – what does it mean to businesses and their HR? | Consensus HR in Herts & Beds

Matthew Chilcott, Owner of Consensus HR comments: – “It was great to finally hear the Kings Speech and what the new Government has planned initially when it comes to HR. These changes will necessitate staying updated with new legislation, revising company policies, and ensuring compliance with the upcoming regulations. We will ensure that our client’s businesses are prepared for these adjustments by engaging with and enhancing their HR strategies to meet the evolving needs of the workforce whilst working to best practice and the currently ever-changing Employment Law.”

For more detailed information, you can refer to the original announcements from the government and various news sources​ (moneyweekuk)​​ (GOV.UK)​.

To view more about our range of HR & Employment Law Services

At Consensus HR, we are proud to offer a wide range of HR & Employment Law services to help our clients with all areas of best practice and Employment Law which can be found by clicking on the button:
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Are you concerned about keeping your business up to date with Employment Law changes?

If your business always wishes that it works in all areas to the benefit of the team and company and as an employer of choice, give us a call or email now for a non-obligatory chat. Consensus HR | Your Outsourced Human Resources and Employment Law Department | “Helping companies take the pain out of managing people whilst Preventing People Problems.” 01438 576750
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Updated guidance on the new sexual harassment legislation – Consensus HR in Herts, Beds

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