Navigating UK Employment Law
Citation updates us on the latest changes
A significant overhaul of UK Employment Law is coming, which will directly impact how aesthetic clinics manage their staff.
The Employment Rights Bill (ERB) introduces reforms that will impact pay, recruitment, workforce planning, shift patterns, and dismissals. Our Partner, Citation are here to break down what you need to know and how they can help.
Unfair dismissal rights from six months
The qualifying period for an employee to claim unfair dismissal will be reduced from two years to just six months. This significantly shortens the time you have to assess a new team member’s suitability without facing potential legal challenges.
For clinics, where skilled and trustworthy staff are vital, this change requires a more structured approach to hiring and onboarding.
To get prepared, you should:
- Improve your probation processes and documentation
- Train your managers to handle performance concerns early
- Update your contracts and handbooks
Day-one Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
Another major change is the entitlement to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from the first day of absence. The new rules also remove the minimum earnings threshold, making all employees eligible, including part-time and ad-hoc staff. In a clinical environment, this could increase operational costs and disruption.
To manage this, you will need to:
- Outline a robust absence reporting process
- Develop clear procedures for managing absences to prevent misuse of the new entitlements.
- Accurately record absences to calculate SSP correctly and avoid disputes
Reforms to flexible contracts
The ERB will give workers the right to request a guaranteed-hours contract after working a consistent pattern, expected to be around 12 weeks.
Employers must also provide reasonable notice for shifts and any changes, with potential compensation due if this is not met.
While flexibility will still be available for those who want it, clinics must be ready to formalise hours, implement a system for providing proper notice, and compensate where shifts are cancelled or changed at short notice.
The New Fair Work Agency (FWA)
A major shift in managing employment rights is the introduction of the FWA. It’ll bring enforcement under one roof with stronger powers and the ability to carry out inspections. The FWA will also be able to bring tribunal claims on behalf of workers, even if they don’t.
This proactive enforcement means your HR and payroll systems must be consistently accurate with start dates and absences correctly tracked to avoid scrutiny and potential fines.
How Citation can support Consulting Room members
Big changes like the ERB can be confusing, time-consuming and risky. Citation’s experts are here to take the pressure off. Their support keeps you compliant and up to date so you can focus on delivering high-quality services for clients.
With Citation, you get:
- 24/7 HR and Health & Safety advice – expert support when you need it most
- HR and Employment Law support – advice on everything from dismissals, grievances, disciplinaries, contracts, and policies
- Health & Safety support – risk assessments, COSHH guidance, accident reporting, and site visits
- Atlas – one online hub to manage everything HR and Health & Safety
And so much more.
As a valued member of our community, you can benefit from preferential rates on Citation’s services, making it more affordable to protect your practice. To find out more, scan the QR code below and quote ‘Consulting Room’ to access your discount.