Your January edition of The Roadmap is here!

With January almost behind us (which puts it firmly on the ‘out’ list), it’s time to focus on what’s?in?for the year ahead. No fads here - just the latest updates from the employment and driving sectors, neatly packaged for your convenience.

So, grab a brew, take five, and let’s get stuck in.

In Employment...

2025 is shaping up to be an eventful year for employment law, with some big changes on the horizon. We’ve already covered the Employment Rights Bill, introduced to Parliament last year, but as with most new legislation, it can take a while before any reforms take effect. Still, it’s set to shake things up with changes such as "day one" unfair dismissal rights, limits on zero-hour contracts, expanded statutory sick pay eligibility, and tighter rules on "fire and rehire" practices - though most of these won’t kick in until 2026. Flexible working is also getting a glow-up, with employers needing solid reasons to refuse requests. Meanwhile, pay gap reporting will soon include ethnicity and disability, and we’re waiting to hear more about the long-awaited Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023. So, lots to watch, but don’t worry - we’ll keep you in the loop as it all unfolds!

In Driving...

The UK and Switzerland have joined the EU in allowing international hauliers until 28 February to install second-generation smart tachographs, extending the original 31 December deadline. This grace period means no penalties for non-compliance during the transition, with several EU countries - including France, Italy, and Spain - also adopting the approach. The UK and Switzerland have also asked the EU to extend this leniency to their hauliers operating in EU states, but given adoption remains voluntary, operators should check local enforcement policies to make sure they stay compliant.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) is taking significant steps to address diabetes in the transport sector. Managing Director Richard Smith announced two key initiatives: developing a driver guidance paper with the Diabetes Safety Organisation and pursuing Diabetes Safe Accreditation in 2025. The move stems from a recent survey revealing professional drivers are twice as likely to develop diabetes, with unmanaged conditions potentially increasing workplace risks. By providing awareness training, promoting glucose testing, and creating supportive workplace environments, the RHA aims to make commercial transport the first diabetes-safe industry in the UK.

UK Haulier?has reported that the current driver shortage isn’t just about a lack of people - it’s about working conditions that make it hard to attract and keep people in the industry. Low pay, long hours, and an ageing workforce mean more drivers are leaving than joining, and while the government has pledged improvements, businesses are already feeling the pressure. As a recruitment agency, we know that pay, conditions, and career support make all the difference. If you’re looking for ways to strengthen your workforce, we’re here to help –?get in touch?today.

Events and Webinars

ALP - Calculating Charge Rates in 2025

Online event: 21st February 2025

Get your tickets here.

ALP - NMW Compliance in 2025

Online event: 27th February 2025

Get your tickets here.

ALP - Complying with the GLAA Licensing Standards

Online event: 4th March 2025

Get your tickets here.

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