Workplace Journal

Almost one in three employers believe introducing statutory sick pay from the first day of illness will be the biggest challenge arising from the Employment Rights Act 2025, according to research commissioned by Acas. The YouGov survey found 30% of employers identified day-one sick pay as the most difficult change to implement. More than a quarter (27%) said the new right to take paternity leave from the first day of employment would be the hardest to adopt.

The Government has halted plans to remove hourly payments for coastguard rescue officers attending incidents and training exercises following a campaign by GMB. Transport minister Keir Mather announced in Parliament that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) would not proceed with the proposed changes to remuneration. The decision follows a Court of Appeal ruling in a case brought by GMB, which upheld a judgment classifying coastguards as workers.

The TUC has welcomed the nationalisation of British Steel, describing the move as a “vital step forward” for the industry and its workforce. TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said bringing British Steel into public ownership would help safeguard thousands of jobs, support the wider steel sector and maintain the UK’s ability to produce steel domestically.

The smallest businesses in the UK are less likely to build the support networks that can help companies grow financially, according to research from Adobe Acrobat. The study of 350 UK business owners found 40% of businesses employing between 2 and 10 people are actively building support networks. That compared with 62% of medium-sized businesses employing 250 to 499 people and 71% of large businesses employing 2,000 to 4,999 people.

PayFit has upgraded its platform to offer an end-to-end payroll and HR service, using artificial intelligence (AI) to handle operations for businesses of all sizes across the UK, France and Spain. The platform now combines its digital system, 200 payroll experts and PayFit AI to manage payroll and employee matters. Since July, PayFit AI has been able to detect payroll inconsistencies, generate HR reports, answer employees’ questions and enter payroll variables.

MPs on the Work and Pensions Committee have launched an inquiry into how local authorities deliver employment support as the country moves into a new round of devolution. The inquiry will look at whether devolving more power over non-Jobcentre Plus programmes could help councils get more people into suitable and sustainable jobs, and how to keep accountability strong. The Government committed to devolving employment support in the Get Britain Working White Paper.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, published a streamlined draft London Plan aimed at boosting affordable housing and supporting growth, jobs and the economy. The plan sets out a vision for London for the next 20 years and uses City Hall’s planning powers to maximise affordable housing and promote economic growth. It introduces new policies to support London’s industries, including artificial intelligence (AI) and life sciences, and frees up industrial land in accessible locations for housing.

Unite has welcomed the Government’s consultation on equal pay, but said more action and details are needed to tackle pay discrimination. The union called for equal pay to be treated the same as other forms of discrimination and for higher penalties to be introduced. Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “Pay discrimination is affecting thousands of women. “The government’s plans are an important step but the devil will be in the details.

The Retail Trust has partnered with asset and property manager Estama to support employee wellbeing. The partnership introduces counselling, financial aid and a virtual GP service for employees. Mental health support for younger family members, discounts, rewards and access to The Retail Trust’s wellbeing helpline will also be provided.

London workers are using artificial intelligence (AI) at a higher rate than the rest of the UK as the capital’s jobs market picks up, according to research from Employment Hero. The study found 54% of workers in the capital use AI every day, compared to 36% nationally. In the North West, that figure dropped to 34% and to 31% in Yorkshire and the Humber. The study also showed that 61% of London workers said they felt competent with AI, while the national average stands at 41%.