HLAS

As the festive season draws near, employers are being reminded of their duty to take reasonable measures to prevent sexual harassment at work-related events, including Christmas parties. The Worker Protection Act 2023 places a preventative obligation on employers to safeguard staff from harassment in the workplace — whether at their usual place of work or during work-related social gatherings. Heightened risks during festive events Workplace parties are generally positive occasions that help bring colleagues together. However, the combination of social settings, alcohol consumption, and events held outside normal working hours can increase the likelihood of inappropriate behaviour. Employers are encouraged [...]

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has begun a consultation on newly drafted guidance outlining how it investigates potential data protection breaches and carries out enforcement action. Increasing transparency The proposed guidance clarifies the processes the ICO follows when it believes an organisation may have breached the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) or the Data Protection Act 2018. Key points in the draft guidance The draft document explains: • How the ICO determines whether to launch an investigation or resolve concerns through alternative means. • What organisations can expect if an investigation proceeds. • How the ICO intends to [...]

From 7 November 2025, professional bus, coach and lorry drivers with diabetes are now permitted to use modern glucose-monitoring technology, including Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems (CGMS). These devices use sensors to track glucose levels in real time. Previously, Group 2 drivers — those licensed to operate buses and lorries — were required to depend on finger-prick blood tests to check their glucose levels before and while driving. Under the updated rules, they may now use CGMS, aligning them with Group 1 drivers (car and motorcycle), who have been authorised to use this technology since 2018. From 7 November, bus, coach [...]

The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has confirmed plans to raise its fees by an average of 25% from 1 April 2026, subject to parliamentary approval. The change will affect applications and renewals for patents, trademarks, and designs. This marks the first major fee increase in several years, with some fees unchanged for more than two decades. The IPO says the rise is necessary to keep pace with inflation and maintain the quality of its services. The change means most fees will go up by around a quarter. For example: A patent search will rise from £150 to £200. A trademark [...]

As previously highlighted, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has introduced its new, free Cyber Action Toolkit, created to help small businesses bolster their cyber security in a straightforward and cost-effective manner. The toolkit is aimed at organisations without dedicated IT teams or substantial security budgets and provides clear, practical steps that can be put into practice immediately. Helping small businesses take action The NCSC acknowledges that many smaller firms find cyber security intimidating—often believing it to be overly technical, too expensive, or simply not urgent. The vast amount of guidance available can also feel overwhelming, leading many to postpone [...]

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are writing to some taxpayers to tell them what they need to do to get ready for the new Making Tax Digital rules that come into force next April. What is Making Tax Digital? Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is a new way for sole traders and landlords to provide their business accounts and tax information to HMRC. It involves using software to maintain digital accounting records and then submit reports to HMRC each quarter. From 6 April 2026, Making Tax Digital will be mandatory for almost all sole traders and landlords who had [...]

The UK unemployment rate has increased to 5% in the three months to September, reaching its highest level since early 2021, according to newly released data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The rise is slightly sharper than anticipated and adds to indications that the labour market is beginning to lose momentum. This uptick comes shortly before the government’s Budget later this month and could heighten the pressure surrounding the Chancellor’s forthcoming decisions. Signs of a cooling jobs market Although unemployment has edged higher, job vacancies have held broadly steady at around 723,000 between August and October. Initial figures [...]

A new report from Skills England has revealed that many employers are finding it difficult to keep up with the pace of AI-driven change. The report, titled AI Skills for the UK Workforce, introduces three new tools designed to help organisations build confidence and capability in using artificial intelligence responsibly. Sector-Specific Challenges The report highlights a number of sectors where businesses face particular challenges in adapting to AI: • Construction – Opportunities such as drone surveying and augmented-reality training are emerging, but limited digital literacy continues to act as a barrier. • Creative Industries – Freelancers and small companies are [...]

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a national campaign to offer UK businesses access to no-fee specialist recruitment support through Jobcentre Plus. The service is available to all businesses, regardless of size or sector. Over the last year, only one in five businesses has used Jobcentre Plus services for support. This may be indicative of a lack of confidence in the service being able to locate suitable candidates. At the same time, over half of employers in a recent DWP Employer Survey reported difficulties in finding suitable candidates. With the average cost of filling a vacancy estimated [...]