As the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 turns 50 on 31 July, the world of work, both now and in the future, looks markedly different to when this ground-breaking piece of legislation was enacted. Yet, the Act has stood the test of time and its principles remain as relevant now as they did in the summer of ’74 – unlike some of the haircuts from that time.
By Kerry Reals on 27 June 2024
Now that electioneering is well and truly underway in the UK, in the run up to 4 July, I know it may be the last thing you want to hear more about. But given the polls and the lively nature of the debate so far, this has the potential to be one of the more historic and memorable elections.
By Mike Robinson FCA on 03 June 2024
Retailers have welcomed a UK government decision to make assaulting a shop worker a standalone criminal offence in England and Wales, but civil liberties groups have criticised plans to ramp up the use of facial recognition technology in town centres to help catch shoplifters.
By Kerry Reals on 10 April 2024
British Safety Council is calling on the next UK Government to appoint a dedicated Minister for Wellbeing and introduce a tax offset for businesses that invest in new technologies which drive up health, safety and wellbeing standards in the workplace, as part of a raft of suggested policies aimed at ensuring the next 50 years are the safest on record.
By British Safety Council on 20 March 2024
Employers could face legal action if they fail to make “reasonable adjustments” for women who are experiencing menopause symptoms, under new guidance issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).
By Kerry Reals on 22 February 2024
Millions of people globally are trapped in forms of modern slavery such as bonded labour, but businesses can play a vital role in confining the practice to the history books, once and for all.
By Dr Julie Riggs on 31 January 2024
2024 will see a number of new Workers’ Rights Acts rolled out, chiefly flexible working arrangements, carers’ leave and a new duty on employers to prevent sexual harassment.
By Belinda Liversedge on 04 January 2024
With the use of AI in the workplace predicted to become widespread, it is vital that employers carefully manage any associated health and safety risks, such as negative health impacts from using AI to monitor people’s work rates.
By Hannah Burton, Pinsent Masons LLP on 03 January 2024
Recent high-profile cases of suicide with an apparent link to work pressure provide a timely reminder of the need for employers to both reduce the risk of work-related stress and support the mental wellbeing of their teams.
By Phil Newton, Pinsent Masons LLP on 06 October 2023
A judge’s decision to dismiss a local authority’s prosecution of a director for alleged safety offences illustrates the circumstances where a director can be held not liable for offences committed by their company.
By Chris Green, Keoghs on 01 October 2023
