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Royal Assent has been granted to the Employment Rights Act 2025. The new law introduces phased reforms to dismissal, union access, and family-friendly rights, with several provisions effective immediately. The CIPD has urged employers to begin preparing now for implementation over the next two years.
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The UK government has announced a £725 million overhaul of apprenticeships. Training costs for SMEs will be fully covered, but some business leaders say wage and productivity burdens still make apprenticeships unaffordable for many.
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Business Disability Forum has opened nominations for its 2026 Disability Smart Impact Awards. The rebranded awards, announced on 3 December, highlight organisations and individuals creating measurable change for disabled employees and consumers through inclusive practice and innovation.
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Half of Gen Z workers face criticism due to stereotypes. A report by Kahoot reveals that nearly 50% of young UK workers experience workplace criticism, leading to stress. Judgements often stem from their passion, informal language, or attempts to set boundaries, causing some to consider quitting.
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The Government has revised the Employment Rights Bill following negotiations. The CIPD has welcomed the decision to set the unfair dismissal qualifying period at six months, describing it as a “workable approach” for employers — while warning that further clarity is needed on other aspects of the bill.
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S&A Academy urges leadership training enrolment before L7 funding disappears. The national training provider has called on company leaders and HR departments to register employees before government support worth £14,000 per person is withdrawn in 2026, warning the change could restrict access to senior management development across UK industries.
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Rachel Reeves has delivered a tax-heavy Autumn Budget for business. Markets have taken the measures in their stride, but leaders now face a higher, more complex tax burden and big questions about investment, skills, and productivity that our BQX deep-dive will unpack in full, as they plan for 2026 ahead.
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EV salary sacrifice delivers measurable benefits for both employees and employers. Thom Groot, CEO of The Electric Car Scheme, argues that the upcoming autumn Budget must preserve this crucial incentive — one that is helping middle-income families access affordable electric transport and driving real progress towards net zero.
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Addiction is already in the workplace, often hiding in plain sight. As Professor Marcantonio Spada of Onebright writes, silence and stigma prevent many from seeking help until crisis strikes. Creating open, supportive cultures where employees can talk about addiction is both compassionate and critical for business health.
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Technology has blurred the boundaries of the workday. Bryan Stallings, Chief Evangelist at Lucid, warns that constant connectivity has created an ‘infinite workday’ — one where interruptions, late-night meetings, and reactive communication are eroding psychological safety. A cultural reset is needed to restore focus, clarity, and humane productivity.