Lancaster and Morecambe Chamber of Commerce column: People planning and preparing for what comes next
The Government have recently issued details for public preparedness, detailing what we should all have at home ‘just in case’.
But what about for businesses?
We’re not seeing ‘just in case’ planning – we are living it, from the increases to various rates to the rollout of changes in the Employment Rights Act.
As I write we are waiting for the details from the budget, as even small incremental changes can have wide implications for our local employers.
October is a busy month in other areas. From October 1, the Employment Tribunal claim time limit increased from three months to six months for the majority of claims where the issue occurred on or after that date. This makes following a fair process, good record keeping, effective management and dealing with workplace concerns early even more important.
Further changes arrive on October 30 when businesses will be required to take “all reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment, alongside new protections concerning harassment by third parties. Trade unions will also gain a new legal right to access workplaces and engage with workers, whether you currently recognise a trade union or not, either in person or virtually, as part of wider trade union reforms.
At The HR Dept Carlisle & North Lancashire we understand these challenges, most especially for small businesses. In particular, that the practical response isn’t another policy added to a handbook.
It’s an opportunity to take a moment and look at how your business operates and how people are actually managed day to day. Are managers confident tackling inappropriate behaviour? Do employees know how to raise concerns? Are expectations clear? Is your culture one that enables concerns to be raised and supports when they are?
Being part of a strong local business community can help.
The Chamber’s focus on Connect, Support and Represent feels particularly relevant at the moment. Connecting businesses through events, introductions, and opportunities to build relationships locally; as well as supporting members and their teams via access to advice, training and specialist services.
Just as importantly, it represents the interests of its members, providing a collective business voice on the issues affecting our area at local, regional and national level.
The budget and employment legislation will shape the environment in which Lancaster and Morecambe businesses operate. But how businesses respond and the support they put in place can be something they control.
By connecting with each other, accessing the right support and ensuring our collective voice is heard, we can build stronger businesses and stronger workplaces.