Businesses must be ready for new law
BUSINESSES in Ayrshire must be ready for new employment laws now in force across the country, according to a local HR expert.
This means making employees aware of changes that came into force at the beginning of April, updating documents, and making plans for how these laws may impact operations.
Steven Allan is an HR expert and owner of Concept HR Solutions, an HR consultancy firm based in New Cumnock.
He says: “It’s crucial for businesses to be proactive in understanding and adapting to the new laws that are taking effect this year, the majority of
which will be introduced from April.”
He continued: “Staying compliant and being on the front foot with any legislative changes not only protects the interests of employers but also helps maintain a fair and supportive work environment for employees.”
The new laws include enhanced protection for those returning from maternity and other family leave during redundancy exercises; the introduction of the new Carers Leave Act 2023, which grants employees with care-giving responsibilities the legal right to take up to five days off annually; and amendments to the National Minimum Wage, where payment of the highest band is now extended to employees aged 21 and over.
Steven said: “Some of these changes have been on the horizon since 2018, and businesses need to act now to ensure they’re ready.
“Since the Covid-19 pandemic, employment law has moved at a faster pace than we have ever seen and it continues to do so, and unless businesses are being pro-active, it can be easy for them to fall behind with the changes.
“My team and I are on hand to help any local business that needs help making the relevant updates and supporting their people.”
Concept HR Solutions was formed in 2022 and outsources a full range of HR and employment law services to local businesses and SMEs across Scotland.
Find out more at concepthrsolutions.com.