Monthly HR blog Newsletter – August 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 August 2025 blogs. Here’s a selection of topics we covered:
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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: A Roadmap for UK Employers
The UK’s proposed Employment Rights Bill brings one of the most significant reforms in employment law in recent years. It aims to deliver a “New Deal for Working People”, enhancing employee protections while creating a fairer labour market.
At Consensus HR, we provide expert HR & Employment Law support to help businesses in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire prepare for change.
🧾 Key Employment Law Reforms
According to the official roadmap, the Employment Rights Bill will introduce:
1️⃣ Day-One Employment Rights
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Protection against unfair dismissal from day one
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Immediate eligibility for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and paternity leave
📊 Did You Know? | HSE Publishes Latest Work-Related Fatal Injury Statistics
From April 2024 to March 2025, 124 workers tragically lost their lives in work-related incidents across Great Britain, according to new figures released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
While this is lower than the previous year’s total of 138, it remains broadly in line with pre-pandemic averages, highlighting the ongoing need for strong health and safety practices in the workplace.
⚠️ Top Causes of Fatal Injuries:
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Falls from height: 35 deaths
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Struck by a moving object: 18 deaths
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Trapped by something collapsing/overturning: 17 deaths
The HSE has also released figures for Mesothelioma, a terminal cancer caused by past asbestos exposure, with 2,218 deaths reported in 2023.
💬 Matthew Chilcott, Owner of Consensus HR, says:
“These figures are a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining and enforcing robust health and safety measures in the workplace. Employers must remain vigilant and ensure that all risk assessments and safety protocols are regularly updated and followed.”
👉 Read the HSE press release:
https://press.hse.gov.uk/2024/07/01/hse-releases-annual-workplace-fatalities-data/
👉 View the full fatal injury statistics:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/fatals.htm
Building Strong Workplace Relationships | Consensus HR
International Friendship Day, celebrated on 30th July, is a global reminder of the value of friendship and positive connections in every aspect of life – including the workplace. In today’s fast-paced business environment, fostering strong, friendly relationships at work is more than a “nice to have” – it’s essential for a healthy, productive, and engaged workforce.
🤝 Why Friendship Matters at Work
Studies consistently show that having meaningful friendships at work leads to:
✔ Higher employee engagement – People are more likely to stay committed to their roles if they feel connected to their colleagues.
✔ Improved mental health & wellbeing – Workplace friendships can reduce stress and create a supportive environment.
✔ Increased collaboration & teamwork – Employees who trust and respect one another work better together, driving productivity.
At Consensus HR, we see firsthand how strong workplace relationships can transform businesses – from reducing conflicts to improving retention and performance.
📢 Matthew Chilcott, Owner of Consensus HR, comments:
“International Friendship Day is a great opportunity for businesses to reflect on how they’re encouraging positive relationships in the workplace. Whether it’s through team-building activities, effective communication, or strong HR policies, fostering a culture of respect and support helps teams thrive – and ultimately benefits the business too.”
World Ranger Day:
Every year on 31 July, World Ranger Day honours the men and women around the globe who protect our natural and cultural heritage. It’s also a day to remember those who have lost their lives or been injured while carrying out this vital work.
While the focus is on park rangers and conservation workers, the day highlights broader issues that every workplace can learn from – including health and safety, wellbeing, and risk management.
🔍 Why World Ranger Day Matters to Businesses
Rangers face some of the toughest working conditions imaginable, from remote locations to dangerous wildlife and unpredictable weather. Their work reminds us that:
✅ Health & Safety policies matter – regardless of the industry, ensuring employees are safe, trained, and equipped is a legal and moral responsibility.
✅ Mental wellbeing is key – many rangers work in isolation, under pressure, or in hazardous environments. The same is true for employees in high-stress jobs across every sector.
✅ Training saves lives – whether it’s first aid, risk assessment, or conflict management, ongoing training is crucial.
At Consensus HR, we believe every business can adopt these lessons to create safer, healthier, and more supportive workplaces.
💬 Comment from Matthew Chilcott – Owner of Consensus HR
“World Ranger Day is a powerful reminder that health, safety and wellbeing are fundamental in any workplace. While rangers protect our natural world, employers across all industries have a duty to protect their teams – from ensuring robust health & safety policies to supporting mental wellbeing. At Consensus HR, we work with businesses to make sure these responsibilities aren’t just met, but embedded into company culture.”
🌐 Majority of Over-50s Want Flexible Working | Supporting an Age-Inclusive Workforce
By Matthew Chilcott – Owner, Consensus HR
www.consensushr.com
As of 2025, more than 10.2 million people over the age of 50 are in employment in the UK. With increasing life expectancy, rising retirement ages, and a wealth of experience behind them, older workers now form a vital part of the UK workforce.
In a recent Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) survey of over 12,000 individuals aged 50 and above, results revealed some clear priorities among mature workers:
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79% want more flexible hours
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73% would like more part-time roles
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63% are calling for more training, especially in dealing with technology
These findings highlight an important call to action for employers to review their workplace policies and become more age-inclusive.
💼 Why Should Employers Take Note?
At Consensus HR, we often support businesses in Stevenage, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire with their HR strategies, and we see first-hand the value that older workers bring—such as loyalty, resilience, and a wealth of knowledge.
However, if employers want to retain this talent and avoid the high cost of recruitment, they must start by understanding what mature employees need to stay engaged and productive.
Matthew Chilcott, Owner of Consensus HR, comments:
“Older workers are an asset to any business. These survey results show us that many are keen to continue contributing, but want to do so on terms that support their stage of life. By offering flexibility and training, businesses can retain skilled staff, bridge skills gaps, and improve productivity.”
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