Changes to Employment Laws From April 2024

Did you know that as of April 6th 2024, significant changes to work laws have come into place across England, Scotland and Wales? These changes aim to make workplaces more flexible, support caregivers, and give extra protection to new parents. These adjustments will be helpful those living with chronic conditions like psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.

Flexible Working:

Under the Employment Rights (Flexible Working) Act 2023, employees can now make two requests for flexible working arrangements per year, (previously one could be made). There is no need to explain how the request might impact the employee’s role.

Employers must respond within two months and give justification if the request is denied. These changes began on April 6th 2024 and employees can make a flexible working request from the first day of their employment.

Carer’s Leave:

The Carer’s Leave Act 2023 now allows employees to take one week of unpaid leave each year to care for loved ones.

This includes those with disabilities, elderly family members, or anyone facing long-term illness or injury. You can take this leave as soon as you start a new job, and no qualifying period is required.

Increased Protection for Pregnant Employees:

Pregnant employees now have more protection from job loss in accordance with the Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act 2023.

The legislation protects pregnant employees from being made redundant for 18 months as of the date they notify their employer of their pregnancy.

Paternity Leave Flexibility:

Changes to the Paternity Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024, will give expectant parents more say in how they take their two weeks of paternity leave.

Now, the leave can be split into two separate weeks and be taken at any time during the first year after their baby is born. Also, only 28 days' notice is required for each week of leave, instead of the previous 15 weeks’ notice.

Upcoming Changes:

More changes are expected later on in 2024. These include new rules about how tips and service charges are shared out, guidelines on firing and rehiring people, a right to ask for more predictable work hours, and steps to stop sexual harassment at work.

If you have any queries about how psoriasis may impact your working life, check out our psoriasis and employment which includes advice on how to manage psoriasis at work.