Our Head of Operations, Kendal Hulme, discusses legal changes to strikes and fit notes in an Employment Law Update for June 2022
Over the past few years it has been no secret across the UK, especially since the pandemic, that the pressure on GP surgeries has been enormous.
In an attempt to alleviate some of that pressure for GPs, from the 1st of July 2022, the authority to sign statements of fitness for work (typically called “fit notes”) is being given to other healthcare professionals. It will now be the case that nurses, some pharmacists, physical therapists and occupational therapists will be able to ease the burden on GP’s by certifying and issuing fit notes.
It is important to note that in order to be qualified to certify and issue fit notes, these professionals must be registered with the existing legislation governing bodies for their professions.
With the new legislation being introduced from 1st July 2022 across England, Scotland and Wales, it is important that employers look to review their current sickness and absence policies and be sure to update them should there be a reference to only GP’s signing and issuing these statements.
It has been announced by the Government that there could be an impending change to legislation relating to agency workers being unable to supply temporary workers during industrial action and strikes.
This proposed change will allow businesses who face strikes from the workforce to temporarily cover the duties of an employee who is taking part in a strike or other industrial action with agency workers.
The Government has also announced that the maximum damages award for any action against a Trade Union arising out of unlawful industrial action will also rise from £250,000 to £ 1 million.
We understand that keeping up to date with the latest changes to employment law and HR can be challenging and confusing for many employers.
That is why our in-house team of expert HR professionals are here to ensure your business remains safe and protected. We are dedicated to learning about you and your business personally to better provide a tailored service that suits the exact needs and requirements of your business. We will also provide you with the latest updates and changes to employment law, HR and Health and Safety that are relevant to you to make sure you and your business stay compliant and protected.
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If you would like to discuss the changes to employment law this month and how they may affect your business further, or you would like to learn more about how we can help you, get in contact with our team of experts today.
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