6 HR things to watch in 2018

Monday, January 15, 2018

  1. New minimum wage rates

  2. The National Living Wage (the rate for those who are 25 or over) will increase from £7.50 to £7.83 per hour from April 2018.

    The National Minimum Wage (for those aged under 25), the hourly rates will increase:

  3. from £7.05 to £7.38 for those between 21 to 24 year olds
  4. from £5.60 to £5.90 for between 18 to 20 year olds
  5. from £4.05 to £4.20 for 16 and 17 year olds
  6. from £3.50 to £3.70 for apprentices.
  7. New statutory rates

    The statutory weekly rates of pay for maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption leave will increase in April 2018 from £140.98 to £145.18.

    The weekly rate of statutory sick pay will rise from £89.35 to £92.05.

  8. Gender pay reporting

    All public sector organisations with 250 or more employees in England, Wales and Scotland are required to publish their first gender pay report by 4th April 2018. This must be published on your website and include a statement that confirms the accuracy of the information.

  9. Data protection

    The EU General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) will come into force on 25th May 2018. Although there are a number of loose ends at the moment, employers need to be prepared for the changes by updating policies, ensuring that staff are appropriately trained on data protection issues, and having data protection in mind when processing data.

  10. Employment status

    We are waiting for the judgement of the Supreme Court in Pimlico Plumbers Ltd and another v Smith. The Court of Appeal ruled against Pimlico Plumbers, stating that their self-employed contractor was actually a worker and had the right to holiday pay, minimum wage and all the other rights that workers are entitled to.

  11. Holiday pay

Just recently, the case of King v Sash Windows was put before the European Court of Justice and will be put before the UK Court of Appeal in 2018. It is one worth keeping an eye on because it may have significant repercussions on the right to holiday pay.

Anything else?

The Lord Chancellor, David Lidington, indicated last year that the government wants to reintroduce some form of Employment Tribunal fee, but provided no further details.

And of course, all charities will be looking out for developments in the Brexit process.

To explore this further, call 0845 226 8393, ask for the Partnerships Legal Team and quote your ACEVO membership number.