As the UK heads towards the general election on 4th July 2024, we’ve been looking at the major political parties’ manifestos and what these will mean for the HR sector.
In this blog, we’ll look at the key policies affecting HR teams, especially the proposed big changes to employment laws and regulations.
Employment
Conservative Party
Instead of introducing new legislation or making changes to employment law, the Conservatives’ manifesto promotes a continued focus on maintaining a flexible labour market and keeping the status quo.
Labour Party
Labour’s manifesto emphasises workers’ rights and increased regulation. They intend to ban zero-hour contracts and introduce a right to an average-hours contract based on hours worked over a 12-week period. They will also introduce rights to parental leave, sick pay & protection from unfair dismissal from day one of employment. On top of this, a requirement will be put in place to provide reasonable notice of work schedules and the right to disconnect after work, providing a legal framework like in other countries, that once people have clocked off there is no expectation to be contacted.
HR departments may need to adjust policies and procedures to comply with stricter regulations and increase training on new legal requirements. Labour’s manifesto will require HR teams to manage rotas and timetables successfully, something that HR Planner is well-equipped to do.
Liberal Democrats
The Liberal Democrats are seeking to address the gender pay gap, promoting diversity and inclusion. Their manifesto supports flexible working, enhanced parental leave and remote working policies. Zero-hours workers would have the right to request a fixed-hours contract after 12 months.
In this case, HR professionals may need to focus on implementing more inclusive and supportive workplace policies.
Wages and taxation
Payroll departments are directly affected by changes in taxation and wage policies, which can vary significantly depending on which party comes to power.
Conservative Party
The Conservatives usually aim to keep taxes low to stimulate economic growth. Their aim is to cut national insurance to 6% by April 2027, keep the VAT threshold under review and maintain the national living wage. HR teams would need to keep on top of any changes and adjust payroll systems where appropriate.
Labour Party
Labour’s manifesto includes plans to remove the age bands for minimum wage, so all adults would be entitled to a minimum of £10 per hour. Payroll departments would need to stay agile, ensuring compliance with new regulations.
Liberal Democrats
The Liberal Democrats are focusing on addressing the gender pay gap to promote diversity and inclusion. Their manifesto calls for apprentices to be paid the minimum wage and for statutory maternity pay to be doubled to £350 per week. HR Teams would need to comply with any regulatory changes.
How HR Planner can help
The upcoming UK general election is poised to bring about changes that could significantly impact the HR industry. For HR leaders and professionals, staying ahead of these changes means being proactive, continuously updating their knowledge and practices to ensure compliance and optimal workforce management, regardless of the election’s outcome.
HR Planner’s Documentation Module is a fantastic tool to publish articles and resources for staff to access 24/7. With proposed changes to working patterns, our system also makes it easy to manage flexible working and remote working.
Try HR Planner today with a free 14 day trial. No credit card or commitment required. For more information on the latest features, call our expert team on 01252 63 60 70 or email support@hrplanner.uk.