The law around flexible working will change in 2024 when the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 is implemented. The Act will enhance the existing right for employees to request flexible working.The main changes to the current legislation will be as follows:•Employers will be required to consult with the employee requesting flexible working before they can reject it•Employees will be able to submit two flexible working requests in any 12-month period. The current limit is one request per year.•The timeline for responding to flexible working requests will shorten from three months to two months•Employees will no longer be required to put forward suggestions for how their request might be implemented•Employees will have a day one right to request flexible working instead of needing to complete the current qualifying period of 26 weeks serviceUnder the new legislation there will not be an automatic right to work flexibly. Instead, the Act only grants employees the right to request flexible working.Once the regulations are published and the effective date is confirmed we will update you again.Source: Gavin Parrott

Flexible working laws are changing - What you need to know

Thursday 13 March proved to be a humbling and impactful day for many of our staff members at SSG, facing the struggles of homelessness head on with a visit to Shekinah and participation in the Great Tommy Sleep Out.When we became business friends with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://shekinah.co.uk/">Shekinah</a> at the end of 2024 we pledged to directly support Shekinah’s efforts to help people experiencing homelessness.On Thursday Chris, Denise and Kerry visited Shekinah’s Stonehouse Creek location to better understand the critical work they do. For over 30 years Shekinah have supported people experiencing homelessness to build positive lives and futures by helping them to find accommodation, assisting improved physical development opportunities and giving practical support to find employment.Upon arrival, we were welcomed by Kristy, Shekinah’s Events and Community Assistant, who provided us with a tour of their facilities. She gave us valuable insights into the services they provide, and we witnessed firsthand how Shekinah supports its community. We were shown the rough sleeper zone, the canteen, the creative room, the training spaces and the like-for-like doctors' facilities, which showed Shekinah’s all-rounded approach to supporting those in need.Our visit to Shekinah was a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness and the vital role Shekinah plays in offering support and hope. Seeing firsthand the breadth of services they provide reinforced our commitment to this partnership and to making a meaningful difference. At SSG, we are proud to stand alongside Shekinah in their mission to build brighter futures for those who need it mostLater that same day, in a powerful show of solidarity for veterans facing homelessness, four dedicated members of our team took part in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://rbli.co.uk/rbli-events/the-great-tommy-sleep-out/">Great Tommy Sleep Ou</a>t. In support of the work of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/">Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI)</a>, they braved the cold and slept under the stars in the SSG car park. As temperatures dropped throughout the night, it served as a stark reminder of the harsh realities many homeless veterans face daily.The Great Tommy Sleep Out is a fundraising challenge designed to raise awareness and vital funds for the thousands of veterans currently experiencing homelessness across the UK. This marks our team’s fourth consecutive year participating, and each year we approach it with empathy and determination. Led by Miles the team, including Andy, Barry and Nobby, the team shares a strong sense of purpose to not only raise much-needed funds, but to highlight the increasing struggles veterans face in accessing social housing and securing employment."The most thought-provoking moment comes when settling down for the night. The cold, damp air, coupled with the constant sounds of owls hooting, passing trains, and bins being emptied at 4:05 AM, creates a challenging environment. Sleeping on rough ground made for an uncomfortable night with little rest for most.However, we had the privilege of getting up, having breakfast, and warming up indoors. For those experiencing homelessness, this is a relentless reality they face night after night.” said Miles, Senior Health and Safety Consultant/Trainer.We are proud to announce that this year, they raised an incredible £430.00! Every penny will go directly to supporting veterans in need, ensuring they don't have to face the hardships of homelessness alone.

Thursday 13 March proved to be a humbling and impactful day for many of our staff members at SSG

From awareness to action: our mission to support the homeless

On Saturday 22 February 2025, members of our SSG team, alongside those from Surfers Against Sewage, took part in the Million Mile Clean in and around Plymouth’s Forder Valley.The Million Mile Clean, launched by Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) in 2021, encourages volunteers to clean over 10 miles of UK landscapes each year. A key part of this initiative is ‘The Brand Audit’, where collected waste is analysed and reported back to SAS. This data feeds into SAS's Citizen Science project, helping identify the worst-polluting companies and supporting efforts to urge the government to take stronger action to protect our natural spaces.Donned in their hi-vis jackets with litter pickers (made from recycled fishing rods) and heavy-duty SAS Million Mile Clean bags; Andy, Annie and Hannah began their clean-up from Plymouth Snowsports Centre and worked their way to the Forder Valley Esso garage. Along the entire stretch of road, where the pavement met the nature reserve, they found litter embedded in the bushes, grass, and soil.“We found the things you’d expect, like food wrappers and empty drink cans or bottles, but also things like scrap metal, tyres, air fresheners… we even found someone’s bank card!” said one member of the team.By the end of their clean-up, they had collected five full bags of rubbish, including parts of a motorcycle too large to fit into a bag. The waste was later transferred to the council’s purple bags for collection from Poole Farm, with the total weight revealed to be over 50 kilograms – the equivalent of a small hot tub or a giant Pacific octopus.“I organised the walk because I’m passionate about a clean, healthy environment and am sick of seeing rubbish in beautiful natural areas, especially along riverbanks, beaches, and pathways,” said Andy Peters, Health and Safety Trainer and Advisor. “By using the council purple bags, we hope to raise awareness, as it is them who ultimately have to collect and dispose of the waste. We want to encourage them to provide suitable bins to enable people to dispose of their waste responsibly.”We look forward to taking part in more of these walks before the end of the year and continuing to make a positive impact on our local environment.

They had collected five full bags of rubbish, including parts of a motorcycle

SSG's Million Mile Clean

“(…) In the case of Mr D R v Fieldfisher LLP a tribunal in central London reviewed allegations against Mr D R who was described as enjoying a reputation as a “ladies’ man” at work, engaging in “flirtatious banter”, and participating in jokingly inappropriate games like “snog, marry, avoid”. According to testimony, his comments and behaviour were often dismissed as non-serious, with no widespread perception of harassment.One complainant, identified as “Colleague One”, accused Mr D R of molestation during a work outing in 2023 at the Savage Garden rooftop bar in London. She alleged that he made persistent advances, culminating in an incident where he forcibly kissed her and attempted to touch her in a disabled toilet. According to her account, she resisted and was eventually aided by another colleague who called out for her. She also claimed that six months earlier, he pressured her to cancel her ride home to return to the office with him.CCTV footage from the bar complicated the narrative. A September 2023 report from the venue stated that the footage showed a consensual interaction between Mr D R and the complainant, with her initiating a hug and both moving together willingly to the toilet. No force was observed in the footage.Judge Anthony dismissed claims of pestering, noting Mr D R had only offered the complainant a lift home, and found the alleged inappropriate touching involved a mere hand on a shoulder. The tribunal will determine compensation at a later date.This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgements made in every aspect of the case.Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action. (…)”Source: <a target="" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" class="link" href="https://www.thehrdirector.com/legal-updates/legal-updates-2025/lawyer-wins-unfair-dismissal-claim-cctv-shows-encounter-consensual/">Lawyer wins unfair dismissal claim after CCTV shows encounter was ‘consensual’</a>

According to testimony, his comments and behaviour were often dismissed as non-serious, with no widespread perception of harassment.