East Midlands Chamber members are being offered free-of-charge access to a new portal and consultation service to help them get set for changes to workers’ rights from April, as a result of measures in the Employment Rights Act coming into force.
The British Chambers of Commerce has developed the new service for Chamber members across the accredited Chamber network, in partnership with Quest Cover.
East Midlands Chamber members can visit a ‘support hub and explainer’ while a free-of-charge compliance review can be booked with a Business Support Manager from Quest Cover, to address any questions or concerns member businesses may have and what actions they might need to take in preparation for the Employment Rights Act.
Changes from April include day 1 rights for employees for statutory sick pay and paternity leave, while the maximum protective award for failing to properly consult on collective redundancy will double.
East Midlands Chamber Director of Resources Lucy Robinson said: “With April fast approaching, employers will be understandably anxious to get everything right, know they are fully informed and can ready themselves to confidently deliver everything needed, without risking a potentially costly compliance issue.
“The changes coming in are a major step change in the way employers operate and on a scale that has not been seen for some time. For some businesses, preparation might mean adjustment to employment contracts, payroll, policies on sickness and absence, the content of their staff handbook and checking processes in place around redundancy are fully compliant with the new Act.
“Preparing is not a five-minute thing by any stretch and so I would certainly urge any business that’s unsure what they might need to do to take advantage of support and make a start now, rather than wait until the last minute.
“I very much welcome the provision of the support hub as a helpful initiative from the British Chambers of Commerce and Quest Cover at what is likely be an anxious time for employers. I’d recommend that any East Midlands Chamber member with concerns or questions about what the Act might mean for them take a look at the portal and see whether the support on offer might be of benefit.”
To find out more about the free-of-charge support hub and compliance review provided the British Chambers of Commerce for Chamber members, in partnership with Quest Cover, click here.
