HR News Roundup - July 2025

There are also some pointers on navigating diversity, equity and inclusion, news on the source of rising workplace grievances, and tips on supporting employees struggling with addiction. We also pose an important question about working from home.

If you would like support or advice on any of the themes in this roundup, please get in touch today on 0161 941 2426

Employment Law

Video explainer: Employment Rights Bill roadmap

At the start of July, the government published its roadmap for implementing the Employment Rights Bill. The roadmap sets out four key dates when measures will be introduced, with the first reforms to Statutory Sick Pay, simplifying the trade union recognition process, and day one paternity leave and unpaid parental leave due to come into effect in April 2026. You can download a copy of the roadmap from the .gov.uk website.  

The CIPD has posted a useful two-minute explainer video on LinkedIn around the importance of starting to prepare for the changes. If you’re a CIPD member, you can access further information here.

Bereavement leave to extend to cover early pregnancy loss

Parents who experience a miscarriage before 24 weeks of pregnancy look set to gain a new legal right to bereavement leave as part of an amendment to the Employment Rights Bill. The move follows extensive Parliamentary debate and recommendations from the Women and Equalities Committee. Details of the maximum period of leave and whether or not the leave will be paid are still being discussed.

Government set to ban NDAs silencing harassment

The UK Government has announced employers will be banned from using non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to silence victims of sexual misconduct or discrimination in the workplace. The changes, which will not affect the use of NDAs for legitimate commercial use, are expected to be written into law later this year.

Most women don’t report sexual assault at work

On a similar theme, the trade union Unite has conducted research of 6,615 female members, finding that three quarters of women do not report incidents of sexual assault at work. The survey found that 25% of women in the UK have been sexually assaulted in the workplace, and a similar percentage (just 26%) felt their employer had done enough to promote a zero-tolerance culture. The findings demonstrate the fundamental importance of having a sexual harassment policy in place that is both clear to understand and easy to follow.

Are you unclear whether, or how, the impending changes to employment law will affect your organisation? Get clear on what you need to do to prepare.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

DEI is non-negotiable for Gen Z and Millennials

A survey by IRIS Software Group has found that DE&I is non-negotiable for Gen Z and Millenials. Also, three in five UK employees would quit their job if their employer rolled back on its DEI policies. The research highlights that diversity, equity and inclusion must be at the heart of an organisation’s recruitment strategy as well as being part of the wider organisational culture and values. It’s a reminder to listen to your people when implementing DEI policies. Read more in the article.

Top 50 employers for gender equality revealed

Business in the Community’s (BITC) annual survey of gender equality in organisational culture rates employers on elements such as flexible working, parent and carer support, equal pay practices, and inclusion of marginalised groups. Household names in the top 50 list include Tesco, Shell, Virgin Media and Aviva.

As it announced the results, BITC stressed the importance of sustained action: “As workplace expectations evolve, gender equality remains not only a moral imperative but also a business one — with research consistently linking inclusive cultures to higher productivity, retention, and innovation.” See the full Top 50 list

Navigating diversity and inclusion issues can be challenging when you are the HR department for your business. Remember, we are here to help - as a sounding board or for guidance and support.

Organisational culture

Fear of confrontation driving grievances

HR Director reports on research by WorkNest that reveals a growing fear of conflict is leaving HR teams at risk of increasing formal grievances. The findings of the survey of 700 employers and people professionals suggest that employees, including managers, are increasingly reluctant to address interpersonal issues with 43% saying this is through fear of confrontation or escalation. A further 24% stated they would not raise issues due to a lack of training or conflict skills.

When asked about sources of workplace conflict, respondents cited personality clashes (38%) and performance-related disputes (28%) as the most common. This highlights a requirement for organisations to equip leaders and managers to identify what is causing conflict and know how to approach difficult conversations with confidence and skill.

Did you know we offer a comprehensive disciplinary and grievance service? The service is here to help you navigate workplace conflict and challenges with confidence.

Did you know we offer a comprehensive disciplinary and grievance service? The service is here to help you navigate workplace conflict and challenges with confidence.

Health & Wellbeing

How to support employees with addiction

The theme for this year’s Alcohol Awareness Week was ‘Alcohol and Work’. With drinking culture often aligned with work culture, addiction is described as “a hidden epidemic in professional spaces”.

To mark this important awareness event, The HR Director shares 5 ways organisations can support employees who might be struggling with alcohol addiction, including training leaders to recognise the signs of addiction. Would you be able to identify the red flags? Would you know what to do to support an employee in this situation? Does your organisation’s health and wellbeing offer provide sufficient support? If not, perhaps it’s time to review your provision.

Flexible working

Homeworking blamed for data failures

Finally, and in more obscure news this month, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has blamed remote working as “jeopardising the ability of ONS to fulfil its core function of collecting and analysing statistics”. This comes in response to a highly critical government review of the ONS - an agency it relies on to supply data to government agencies.

Does working from home really mean employees cannot do their job effectively? Read the article, which features the opinions of three HR professionals. What’s your opinion?

How can we help?

To discuss any of the issues or challenges arising from this HR News Roundup, get in touch with us today on 0161 941 2426. We’re here to help.