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This UKATA course will teach delegates to work safely with asbestos and ensure theirs and their colleagues' safety.

This course will provide delegates with a foundation of environmental and sustainability knowledge to build on.

This course covers the basics in health and safety management whilst giving management the tools to introduce new workplace controls, implement sensible changes and reduce workplace risks.

The NEBOSH National General Certificate is the most widely held health and safety qualification of its kind in the UK.

This course improves knowledge and practical understanding of hazards, risks and controls of working at height.

<h1 id="b81ecb54-a2f4-41d8-9114-52a2c1c35a4d" data-toc-id="b81ecb54-a2f4-41d8-9114-52a2c1c35a4d">1. Right to claim unfair dismissal will apply after six months of Service </h1>The Employment Rights Bill (ERB) is finally moving forward after the government agreed to forego a manifesto pledge that employees would be given a day one right to claim for unfair dismissal.Having faced opposition from the House of Lords and employer groups - the government has amended the bill so that the new legislation which will now grant employees the right to bring a claim for unfair dismissal after six months service. Also, the previous suggestion of a “light touch” dismissal process in the first nine months will not be proceeding.This means employers can apply their probation review processes and dismiss a new starter within six months if they are not meeting the requirements of their role.However, there will still be new day one rights coming into effect.<h2 id="5b7526f0-7bb7-47b8-84d4-1f5eca74035e" data-toc-id="5b7526f0-7bb7-47b8-84d4-1f5eca74035e">Statutory Sick Pay</h2>From April 2026 - employees will be entitled to statutory sick pay from day one of employment and from day one of a sickness absence with the three “waiting days” being removed.<h2 id="4bea67ff-508f-4987-9dc4-5fadd02601c0" data-toc-id="4bea67ff-508f-4987-9dc4-5fadd02601c0">Paternity Leave</h2>From April 2026 - employees will be able to give notice and take paternity leave from their first day in a new role.<h1 id="c8922528-0557-41d8-9f28-7d42c939af6e" data-toc-id="c8922528-0557-41d8-9f28-7d42c939af6e">2. New employer to notify employees of right to join a union</h1>The ERB will introduce a new duty on employers to provide employees with a written statement setting out their right to join a trade union. Under the legislation employers will be required to write to existing employees and state they have the right to join a union.We understand that the government will be providing a “standardised statement” which employers can include when writing to their employees to explain their right.New employees must be issued with a “statement” at the same time as they receive their written statement of employment particulars. This means that the “statement” needs to be issued by no later than day one of employment thereby aligning with when employment contracts must also be issued to new starters. There will be an ongoing requirement to inform existing employees of their right to join a union.Consultation for how and what this will look like are ongoing.We expect employers to be required to issue annual reminders to employees (e.g. letters, emails, etc). In addition, employers can communicate details of the right to join a union on their intranets, notice boards, newsletters, etc., so they can evidence that they are fulfilling their duty.This new duty is expected to be brought into force by October 2026.<h2 id="928975e9-2e5d-4f3f-b2e4-fcb4281d85fd" data-toc-id="928975e9-2e5d-4f3f-b2e4-fcb4281d85fd">You might be wondering why this is necessary?</h2>Well, the rationale is that the Government considers that a lack of awareness amongst employees of their right to join a trade union is contributing to a decline in trade union membership.In 2024, union membership was at 22% of UK employees which is the lowest level on record. The new duty is intended to address this issue. The aim being that increased employee awareness will lead to increased trade union membership “and establish a more level playing field for workers.”<h2 id="8fb65014-ee98-400d-a268-062d7c377024" data-toc-id="8fb65014-ee98-400d-a268-062d7c377024">Consequences of failing to notify employees of their right to join a Union?</h2>Employees will not be able to bring a standalone claim at an Employment Tribunal. However, if an employee succeeds with another claim, any failure to notify (i.e. of the right to join a union) may result in an award of between two and four weeks’ pay.We will be sending further updates via e-bulletins as we receive further details on the ERB.Sourced by: Gavin Parrott

The Employment Rights Bill (ERB) is finally moving forward after the government agreed to forego a manifesto pledge that employees would be given a day one right to claim for unfair dismissal.

Employment Rights Bill Update

The government has announced the new statutory pay rates that will come into effect from 06 April 2026.Statutory maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, neonatal care and parental bereavement leave pay rates will all increase from £187.17 to £194.32 per week.Statutory Sick Pay rates will increase from £118.75 to £123.25 per week.<h2 id="88c00f7e-8590-4113-ba4a-4a967589d507" data-toc-id="88c00f7e-8590-4113-ba4a-4a967589d507">2026 Increases to National Minimum Wage and Living Wage rates</h2>The government has announced the new National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates that will come into effect from 01 April 2026.<h3 id="f8f67037-d5f3-40f0-bee8-e1dbea4f4663" data-toc-id="f8f67037-d5f3-40f0-bee8-e1dbea4f4663">The new hourly rates will be:</h3><table style="minWidth: 50px"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">21 and over</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">£12.71</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">18- 20 years old</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">£10.85</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Under 18s</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">£8.00</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">Apprentices</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1">£8.00</td></tr></tbody></table>Sourced by: Gavin Parrott

The government has announced the new statutory pay rates that will come into effect from 06 April 2026.

2026 increases to statutory pay rates

Awaab’s Law came into force on 27 October 2025, and it’s already reshaping how social landlords and contractors manage housing conditions across England. The law brings in strict, legally binding timescales to make sure serious hazards - especially damp, mould, and emergency risks - are dealt with quickly and effectively.If you’re a landlord, contractor, or part of a housing safety team, these new requirements will directly impact how you work, how you manage repairs, and how you communicate with tenants.<h2 id="2be65c28-b28b-4f59-9d0c-5f0233aea07b" data-toc-id="2be65c28-b28b-4f59-9d0c-5f0233aea07b">Here’s what the law now expects from you:</h2><ul><li>Investigate significant damp and mould concerns within ten working days of being made aware</li><li>Make homes safe within five working days when an investigation confirms a serious risk</li><li>Provide a written report to tenants within three working days, explaining what you found and what happens next</li><li>Complete emergency repairs within 24 hours where there is immediate danger</li><li>Offer temporary alternative accommodation when a home cannot be made safe within the legal deadlines</li></ul>These aren’t just best-practice recommendations - they are legal duties. Non-compliance can lead to enforcement action, compensation claims, reputational damage, and significant financial consequences.<h2 id="be1edbf5-5c61-4d3f-8396-eda0f480b94c" data-toc-id="be1edbf5-5c61-4d3f-8396-eda0f480b94c">Useful resources</h2>We’ve created a Awaab’s Law Video Toolbox Talk - explaining the key duties and timescales in a clear, accessible way.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1clESZJP0V0">Click here</a> to watch the toolbox talk video.Our one-day HHSRS course is designed to give you the knowledge and tools to avoid compliance pitfalls and stay confident in your housing safety decisions.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.ssg.co.uk/courses/housing-health-and-safety-rating-system">Click here</a> to find out more and book your spot on one of our courses.<h2 id="0ae55b7f-6131-4c2a-9982-8c9dc5abefb9" data-toc-id="0ae55b7f-6131-4c2a-9982-8c9dc5abefb9">A quick breakdown of the requirements</h2><table style="minWidth: 183px"><colgroup><col style="width: 158px"><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" colwidth="158" style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt">Topic</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt">Key highlights</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" colwidth="158" style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt">Awaab’s Law (Phase 1)</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt">24-hour emergency response; damp and mould investigations within 10 days; tenant summary within three days; fix within five days (or 12-week max).</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" colwidth="158" style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt">Rollout timeline</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt">2025: Damp, mould, emergencies2026: Additional hazards2027: All HHSRS hazards (except overcrowding).</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" colwidth="158" style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt">Enforcement</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt">Tenants can pursue legal action; Housing Ombudsman and Regulator have strengthened enforcement powers.</td></tr><tr><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" colwidth="158" style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt">Action steps</td><td colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="padding:.75pt .75pt .75pt .75pt">Train staff, update procedures, put tracking systems in place, prepare for phased rollout</td></tr></tbody></table>&nbsp;

Awaab’s Law came into force on 27 October 2025, and it’s already reshaping how social landlords and contractors manage housing conditions across England.

Awaab’s Law: what this means for you as a landlord or contractor

urn:ogc:def:crs:OGC:1.3:CRS84

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The course content was really enjoyable and Andrea is an amazing trainer. Thank you so much for the last few days. I can honestly say that this has been the best course I’ve ever been on, and that’s not just down to the content. A. Burrell - Kier

The best course I've ever been on. 

Honest, relatable and realistic training with real world examples. Very well delivered. T. Chapman - Becton Dickinson

Equality and Diversity in the Workplace - Manuela Grossmann

Relatable and realistic training with real world examples

I really enjoyed how the course was delivered by Nigel. His experience and explanations were excellent. M. Burnett - NHS Derriford

NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety - Nigel Roberts

Tutors experience and explanations were excellent. 

The content and pace was perfect. Andrew engaged really well with everyone on the course, making it so much more interesting than being talked at for two days. C. Driver - Kier Construction

Bespoke - Health and Safety Awareness for Trade Colleagues - Andrew Naish

Tutor made the course so much more interesting

Just wanted to say a massive thank you for the training I was given. I was on the day course for asbestos non-licensed with Paul and it was brilliant. So informative, well delivered and interesting. Paul was absolutely amazing! Really nice guy, he made the session fun and enjoyable. Such a good teacher, he delivered the session really well and has such a wealth of knowledge.Look forward to hopefully coming back soon. Thanks Paul and SSG!!B. Macauly - Tony Benger Landscaping Ltd

Asbestos Non-Licensed Operative - Paul Simmonds

Tutor was absolutely amazing! So informative, well delivered and interesting.

The course information was interesting and the delivery of the course was great. Jon was a fantastic trainer, very informative and very engaging. S. Braddon - Babcock International

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Enthusiastic and supportive instructor. I was absolutely dreading this course, particularly around presenting, but I've come away with increased confidence and new skills. Great support, thank you!N. Haddock - Mare and Foal Sanctuary

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Welcome to SSG

Latest updates

Employment Rights Bill Update

2026 increases to statutory pay rates

Awaab’s Law: what this means for you as a landlord or contractor

Featured courses

Testimonials

Training locations

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Call us on 01752 201616

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We inspire people and businesses to work safely and sustainably

What we do

Welcome to SSG

Latest updates

Employment Rights Bill Update

2026 increases to statutory pay rates

Awaab’s Law: what this means for you as a landlord or contractor

Featured courses

Testimonials

Training locations

We're here to help

Call us on 01752 201616