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Sexual Harassment

Updated guidance on the new sexual harassment legislation – Consensus HR in Herts, Beds

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The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has released updated guidance on the new sexual harassment legislation, which takes effect on October 26, 2024. This new guidance introduces a mandatory duty for employers to take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Key points include:

1. Preventative Duty:

Employers must actively prevent sexual harassment by their own employees as well as third parties, such as clients and customers. This duty does not extend to other forms of harassment or discrimination under the Equality Act 2010​ (Clyde & Co)​​ (DLA Piper)​.

2. Enforcement and Compensation:

If an employer fails to meet this preventative duty, they could face enforcement actions by the EHRC. Additionally, employment tribunals can increase compensation by up to 25% in successful sexual harassment claims where the employer is found to have breached this duty​ (Equality and Human Rights Commission)​​ (DLA Piper)​.

3. Reasonable Steps:

What constitutes “reasonable steps” will vary depending on the size and resources of the employer. Steps may include conducting risk assessments, updating policies, training employees, and implementing effective reporting mechanisms​ (Equality and Human Rights Commission)​​

4. Consultation:

The EHRC is currently seeking feedback on the updated guidance, with the consultation period running until August 6, 2024​ (DLA Piper)​.

Updated guidance on the new sexual harassment legislation – Consensus HR in Herts, Beds

Our HR comment:

Our Comments: – Updated guidance on the new sexual harassment legislation – Consensus HR in Herts, Beds

Matthew Chilcott, Owner of Consensus HR comments: “We have written a number of blogs on this subject which can be seen below, and Employers are advised to proactively assess risks and implement measures to prevent sexual harassment, ensuring compliance with the new legal requirements by the October 2024 deadline​ whilst ensuring behaviours within their companies and its culture follows best practice and the law.”

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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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Your Outsourced Human Resources (HR) Department.

For further information on any of the HR subjects we provide, please click the heading below:

Updated guidance on the new sexual harassment legislation – Consensus HR in Herts, Beds

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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:
Click Here

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
Contact Us

Your Outsourced Human Resources (HR) Department.

For further information on any of the HR subjects we provide, please click the heading below:

Updated guidance on the new sexual harassment legislation – Consensus HR in Herts, Beds

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professional services

How Professional Services Add Value

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It’s understandable that business owners want to cut costs. However, this can often lead to poor advice, a low level of customer service and, potentially, higher costs than the ones initially avoided.

It’s fair to assume that price generally equals quality. You get what you pay for!

Sadly, people often take advice from friends or relatives – or Google – rather than consult a professional consultant/tradesperson, purely to avoid costs.

Whether you need legal, human resources, marketing or trades advice, here’s why it’s best to work with a professional rather than take your friend’s advice:

7 Reasons to hire professional services

1. Professional qualification/licence.

Your contractor/consultant should be professionally qualified or trained. Ask them about their training and experience – they should be proud to tell you about it.

2. Relevant experience.

Too often, cutting corners involves taking advice from someone who does not have the knowledge to adapt their understanding to your specific requirement. A professional can adapt their skills to suit the needs of your business. 

3. Insurance.

You are protected by professional insurance should something go wrong, or mistakes made. You should check that the person you are hiring has the right insurances in place before starting to work with them.

4. Speed.

A professional contractor/consultant generally completes work faster, as well as to a better standard, than someone who is not fully trained.

5. Flexibility.

Professionals can adapt to your situation and/or changing circumstances as jobs progress.

6. Peace of mind.

The reassurance to be gained by working with someone who demonstrates professional knowledge and offers practical advice is invaluable.

7. Transparent costs.

A credible professional should offer a clear quote. Too often, people are tempted by the ‘no win, no fee’ approach. This can include hidden administration and commission costs amounting to more than the cost of hiring a professional in the first instance.

“By not seeking professional advice, you risk incurring greater costs in the long run,” says Matthew Pinto-Chilcott of Consensus HR. “One of our clients risked incurring penalties of almost £50,000 by not engaging relevant legal expertise when a former employee threatened them with Employment Tribunal (ET) proceedings. The fee involved with using our professional Employment Law service was far lower than their potential ET financial penalties.

“It’s a shame that some people don’t value the training and expertise of professionals until something goes wrong. As well as qualifying within their relevant specialist fields, many consultants must demonstrate continuing professional development to retain their qualification. This means their knowledge and skills are always up to date.”

Matthew adds: “When you pay for a professional, you are paying for years of training and expertise, plus the reassurance of their experience and insurance. Long term, it’s quicker, cheaper and much higher quality.”

Would you like to explore how professional human resources support can help your business?

Talk to the friendly team at Consensus HR. Enjoy a free initial consultation with no pressure or jargon. Oh – and be reassured … our HR team is professionally trained and qualified!

 

 

Professional Services

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YOUR OUTSOURCED HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT.

For further information on any of the HR subjects we provide, please click the heading below:

Summer employment issues: a six-point checklist

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