In response to a poll on the potential challenges from implementing the pay aspect of the bill, 78% of attendees stated that budgeting for increased costs was their biggest concern, while 63% expressed concerns on ensuring compliance with the reforms:
- Budgeting for increased costs – 78%
- Communicating changes to employees – 44%
- Updating payroll systems – 22%
- Negotiating with unions/staff representatives – 4%
- Ensuring compliance with the reforms – 63%
It is likely that some of the changes to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) could come into force in 2025, including the removal of ‘waiting days’ (with the removal of the lower earnings limit expected 2026). 69% responded saying they believed this reform would have the biggest impact on business.
Which of the reforms do you anticipate having the biggest impact on your organisation’s pay practices?
- Removal of age based pay bands – 24%
- Changes to statutory sick pay – 69%
- Introduction of a genuine living wage – 50%
- Strengthened protections for zero hours workers – 27%
- Removal of ‘at one establishment’ collective consultation – 10%
- Reviewing existing pay structure – 61%
- Implementing cost saving measures in other areas – 60%
- Exploring alternative compensation strategies – 18%
- Passing on increased costs to your customers – 35%
- Redundancy/restructure – 28%
- Further guidance and resources – 74%
- Webinars and training sessions – 83%
- HR advice and support – 38%
- HR and payroll software updates – 15%
- Risk audit and impact assessment – 30%
- Increased wage costs – 64%
- Administrative burden – 55%
- Difficulty in managing expectations – 26%
- Uncertainty about the details of the bill – 54%
- Managing competitiveness – 20%
If you missed the webinar, or require more information on the pay implications of the Employment Rights Bill, you can watch the recording or download the slides.
Our virtual Employment Law Seminar on 6th March will be exploring all aspects of the Employment Rights Bill, and what it means for employers. Join our hosts, Victoria Templeton, HR Knowledge Manager and Sue Watson, Operations Director and special guests, for a free, interactive two-hour session. Register here
