Changes are coming in April 2025…
‼️ It’s time to make sure policies are updated, budgets are in place, and employees are informed ‼️
This National Apprenticeship Week, let’s look at the many reasons to consider hiring Apprentices:
✅ Succession planning.
Building the workforce from the bottom up. Creating a pipeline of talent for upward promotion.
✅ Skills development.
Tailoring skills and training for specific needs, often company-specific.
✅ Increased productivity.
Allowing experienced workers to focus on the roles they’ve been trained to do.
✅ Fresh perspective.
New talent brings new ideas.
✅Cost efficiencies.
There may be Government incentives for hiring Apprentices.
✅ Talent retention.
Hiring, training, and retaining talent is the ultimate success story.
✅ CSR commitments.
Proving vocational routes into work gives something back to the community.
❌ Are there any negatives?
The UK government has today announced that, subject to Parliamentary approval, the new legislation will take effect from 6 April 2025 following the passing of the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act in 2023.
Neonatal Care Leave will:
✅ apply to parents of babies who are admitted into neonatal care up to 28 days old;
✅ and who have a continuous stay in hospital of 7 full days or longer.
✅ allow eligible parents to take up to 12 weeks of leave (and, if eligible, pay).
✅ be on top of any other leave they may be entitled to, including maternity and paternity leave.
This will no doubt come as a huge relief to expectant parents who, for whatever reason, may need additional support at a vulnerable and distressing time in their lives.
The Labour government has set out its intention to ‘Make Work Pay’ – with an agenda to boost wages, reduce insecure work and grow Britain’s economy.
The Employment Rights Bill was introduced in October 2024 and set out a number of intended reforms.
In 2025 we expect to see further consultations on things such as day one rights for unfair dismissal, probationary periods, zero hour contracts, family rights, Statutory Sick Pay, and worker status. This is on top of the impending updates to minimum wage and NI contributions.
Although we know very little for certain at this stage, this insight allows businesses to plan ahead, update policies and procedures, and consider the business impact of possible reforms.
