Welcome to The BFI Pulse
Business Forums International UK
The UK’s trusted leader in HR compliance & policy training with expertise in #Immigration #IR35 #TradeUnions and more.
In a world where change is the only constant, we’ve managed to stay ahead of the curve for almost thirty years, consistently providing five-star HR training to employers across the UK. Whether it’s navigating new employment laws, understanding immigration policies, or improving your relations with trade unions, we understand and respond to the challenges employers are facing, with free webinars, intensive training courses, in-house support and now a new subscription service to ensure you stay compliant in the face of often bewildering change.
Navigating the New UK Labour Government’s Policies
As we look back on the transformative year of 2024, it’s clear that the employment landscape in the UK will experience significant changes. The new Labour government will introduced a series of reforms set to reshape employment law, immigration policies, and the overall regulatory environment for businesses. In this edition, we explore the key repercussions of these changes and what they mean for employers across the country.
Top Three Employment Law Reforms:
1. Banning Zero Hour Contracts
Increased job security: Employers will need to provide more stable and predictable working hours, which could lead to higher operational costs and the need for more robust workforce planning.
Administrative adjustments: Businesses that rely heavily on flexible, on-demand labour will need to adjust their employment contracts and possibly hire more permanent staff.
2. Ending Fire and Rehire Practices
Fair treatment: Employers will need to ensure that any changes to employment terms are negotiated fairly and transparently, rather than using dismissal as a tactic to impose less favourable conditions.
Legal compliance: Companies will need to review their HR policies and practices to ensure they comply with the new regulations, potentially requiring legal consultation and training for HR staff.
3. Basic Rights from Day One
Immediate benefits: Employers will need to provide benefits such as parental leave, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), and protection from unfair dismissal from the first day of employment. This could increase costs and administrative burdens, especially for small businesses.
Policy overhaul: Existing policies and procedures will need to be updated to reflect these changes, ensuring all new hires are aware of their rights and entitlements from the outset.
?? Announcing our new immigration update subscription service: be prepared for future immigration law changes
These monthly updates are particularly relevant for businesses that rely on non-UK workers.
With these significant changes, it is crucial for employers to stay informed and proactive. To support you in navigating this evolving landscape, we are excited to announce our new subscription update service. This service, specifically focused on immigration, is available for ￡95 per month. It will provide you with:
To register click here
Embracing Culture Change in 2025
Our theme for 2025 is culture change, reflecting the new emphasis on workplace belonging and respect. With the introduction of the Sexual Harassment Act in October 2024, employers need to ensure their workplaces are not only legally compliant but also culturally aligned with these new standards. This act mandates stricter measures to prevent and address sexual harassment, making it imperative for businesses to foster a respectful and inclusive work environment.
To support these changes, we are launching a new range of training courses designed to help employers and employees alike understand and implement these new requirements. Our training will cover:
The training on workplace belonging and respect was eye-opening. It provided practical strategies that we’ve already started implementing, and the feedback from our team has been overwhelmingly positive. - HR Manager, transport company
Personal stories from employers
To give you a more personal perspective, here are some stories from employers who have navigated these changes:
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The sexual harassment prevention training was thorough and engaging. It’s given us the tools we need to create a safer and more respectful workplace. - HR Business Partner, construction company
Case Studies across different sectors
Healthcare sector:
A hospital in the North West faced challenges with the new employment laws, particularly around the increased minimum wage and worker protections. By participating in our training courses, they were able to restructure their staffing and budget plans effectively. The hospital also implemented new safety protocols, which led to a safer environment for both staff and patients. BFI designed bespoke training courses for specific teams, ensuring that each department received tailored guidance.
Hospitality sector:
A hotel chain in London had to adapt quickly to the new immigration laws. They streamlined their hiring process for international staff and introduced cultural integration programmes. These changes not only ensured compliance but also enhanced the guest experience by fostering a more diverse and inclusive workforce. BFI created customised training sessions for their HR and management teams to address these specific needs.
Education sector:
A university in Scotland took proactive steps to comply with the Sexual Harassment Act. They introduced comprehensive training for staff and students, focusing on creating a respectful and inclusive culture. We plan to roll this course out as a model for other institutions, demonstrating the positive impact of these reforms. BFI worked closely with the university to develop bespoke training modules that addressed the unique challenges faced by educational institutions.
The legal compliance sessions were incredibly detailed and easy to follow. I feel much more confident about our ability to meet the new standards. - Compliance Officer, local government
Responding to Global Changes
In addition to these national changes, we are also witnessing significant global political shifts that are influencing the way we work. As we enter a new era of working practices, employers must respond to the changing workforce demographics, expectations, and needs. The rise of remote work, increased focus on work-life balance, and the demand for more inclusive workplaces are just a few of the trends reshaping the employment landscape.
By subscribing to our update service and participating in our employer-focussed conferences and training courses, you can ensure that your business remains compliant and well-prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by the new Labour government’s policies. Stay ahead of the curve and safeguard your business’s future by joining our community of informed and proactive employers.
We look forward to supporting you through these changes and helping you thrive for another thirty years at least!
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Despite being a complex area, the training was delivered in a way that made it accessible to the HR team. The pre-course discussion was helpful to ensure that the session was tailored to our needs and focused on the areas that we needed it most. - Immigration & PBS Inhouse Training
At BFI we have been helping companies to identify, manage and mitigate HR risk since 1996. From trade union relations to preparing for the implications of artificial intelligence (AI), we can help you to identify risks to your company’s reputation as well as bottom-line and show you how to take preventative action.
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