The UK Government has announced a number of planned legislative and related measures aimed at making work more flexible, family-friendly and secure, but forward-thinking employers can get started now by taking steps to ensure a good work-life balance and provide ‘good’ work that supports wellbeing, morale and fair conditions.
By Amy Butterworth, Timewise on 02 December 2024
Four-day working weeks have hit the headlines again, with a second UK-wide pilot set to begin in November. While there is debate around whether shortening the work week is the answer, attitudes towards more flexible ways of working are changing and employers who fail to recognise this risk being left behind.
By Kerry Reals on 31 October 2024
Millions of workers will see their rights strengthened in areas such as unfair dismissal, zero-hours contracts, statutory sick pay and parental leave, under reforms announced by the Government in its Employment Rights Bill.
By Kerry Reals on 10 October 2024
UK workers could be granted the right to switch off and not respond to calls and emails from employers outside their contracted hours, under new plans being considered by the Government.
By Kerry Reals on 20 August 2024
Keeping people safe, healthy and happy at work in a world that has changed immeasurably since the introduction of the Health and Safety at Work Act 50 years ago presents huge challenges, but also significant opportunities, a panel of experts said during a roundtable hosted by British Safety Council in central London on 8 July.
By Kerry Reals on 29 July 2024
A new Employment Rights Bill that will ban zero-hours contracts, end fire and rehire practices and introduce flexible working rights from day one was among 40 UK Government Bills announced by King Charles III at the State Opening of Parliament on 17 July.
By Kerry Reals on 18 July 2024
A new four-day working week pilot will be held in the UK later this year and companies have been invited to sign up and take part in the latest six-month trial.
By Kerry Reals on 10 July 2024
A review of academic papers suggests the impact of homeworking on employees’ wellbeing, productivity and working relationships often depends on a variety of personal contextual factors, making it essential for managers to consult workers individually to identify how best to support them.
By Charlotte Hall and Professor Neil Greenberg, King's College London on 09 April 2024
In 1907, William Willett campaigned for a simple but significant addendum to time. Having noticed an imbalance of daylight in the summer, he proposed ‘savings’ to preserve liveable post-work hours. If everyone, in sync, agreed to adjust their watch a few times per year, this simple expedient would “make for health and strength of body and mind”. It caught on. The 4 Day Week Campaign has a simple, not dissimilar, objective.
By Samuel Hunt and Aliyah Davies, 4 Day Week Campaign on 25 March 2024
Employees working from home can be prone to problems like back pain due to poorly designed workstations and a lack of rest breaks, but digital tools like apps can help employers spot and correct the problems at an early stage.
By Ed Harnett, Habitus Health on 27 March 2024
