The Inspired HR Roundup - Employment Law Updates, Legal Webinar & More!
And, just like that it's Spring! With April fast approaching, a new wave of employment law changes is on the way. First up, pay and wages...
National Minimum Wages
From April 2025, the National Living Wage (payable to workers aged 21 and above) will go up by 6.7% from £11.44 to £12.21 an hour. The National Minimum Wage will increase by 16.3% for 18- to 20-year-olds - from £8.60 to £10.00 an hour. The apprentice rate and the rate for those under 18 years old is also increasing. It will rise from £6.40 to £7.55 an hour which is an 18% increase.
National Insurance Contributions
The National Insurance (NI) rate paid by employers will rise by 1.2% from 13.8% to 15% by April 2025. Additionally, the threshold at which employers start paying NI on a worker's earnings will be reduced from £9,100 a year to £5,000.
Statutory Rates
The weekly rate of Statutory Sick Pay will increase to £118.75 (currently £116.75). The weekly rate of Statutory Maternity Pay, maternity allowance, Statutory Paternity Pay, Statutory Shared Parental Leave Pay, and Parental Bereavement Pay will be £187.18 (currently £184.03)
There is also new legislation being implemented...
Neonatal Care Leave And Pay
From 6th April 2025, the UK will introduce a new statutory right to neonatal care leave and pay, allowing eligible parents to take up to 12 weeks of leave if their baby requires neonatal care, in addition to existing maternity or paternity leave. The new leave is a "day-one right," meaning it is available to employees regardless of their length of service, provided they meet the criteria for the leave.
Vento Guidelines
The latest annual update for awards for injury to feelings in discrimination and detriment cases has been published.
In respect of claims presented to the employment tribunal on or after 6th April 2025, the Vento bands (as they are known) are as follows: a lower band of £1,200 to £12,100 (less serious cases), a middle band of £12,100 to £36,400 (cases that do not merit an award in the upper band) and an upper band of £36,400 to £60,700 (the most serious cases) with the most exceptional cases capable of exceeding £60,700.
If you'd like to talk through how these updates may impact your business or need support reviewing your current HR policies, our team is here to help. Get in touch.
Nikki and Jenny had a fantastic time in London at the Breathe Conference. Inspired HR partnered with Breathe because their software really is the best when it comes to an all-in-one HR solution. From absence management to recruitment processes to streamlined holiday requests, their platform is the perfect companion for any growing business.
The brilliant Richard Reed Solictors have launched a brand-new podcast that simplifies the law and explores how it impacts you! Give it a listen. Nikki also attended their new branding launch - a busy week for a brilliant team!
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