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Anticipated employment law changes in 2023

Published Feb 03, 2023

We are anticipating a number of changes to legislation during 2023 that will impact on UK employers.

Already confirmed are the rate uplifts for National Minimum Wage. The new hourly rates which come into effect on are as follows:

  • National Living Wage (23 and older) - £10.42
  • 21–22-year-old rate -£10.18
  • 18–20-year-old rate - £7.49
  • 16-17-year-old rate – £5.28
  • Apprentice rate - £5.28

Expected legislation changes include:

Flexible working rights to be extended

We expect legislation will allow the right to request flexible working to become a day one right for a new employee rather than the current requirement for a new starter to have to wait until 26 weeks service. The purpose of the change is to remove barriers for parts of the workforce that will improve opportunities for career progression and help people secure and succeed in higher quality and higher paying jobs.

Carer’s leave

Also expected is confirmation of the right for an employee responsible for dependants to take one week (or up to one week) of unpaid carer’s leave under The Carer’s Leave Bill.

Protection from the Redundancy Bill

Proposed legislation will extend the right to be redeployed during pregnancy, maternity, and family leave for another six months after the initial period of leave.

Changes to whistleblowing (reappealing parts of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998)

Amendments to the act will result in increased protection and a bigger range of penalties. The legislation is set to create a new body called the Office of the Whistleblower which will have the power to investigate and the authority to order compensation.

Source: Gavin Parrott