Jessica O'ConnorAs the Government’s extensive Employment Rights Bill edges closer to taking effect, research has revealed that many HR teams are uncertain whether their current practices would stand up to legal scrutiny.
According to the latest poll of over 300 employers by WorkNest, only 16% described themselves as “very confident” that their organisation’s HR processes would stand up if challenged legally, while nearly one in five (18%) admitted to being “not very confident” or “not confident at all.”
The majority (64%) said they feel only “fairly confident.”
The findings suggested that many HR professionals felt uncertain about their organisation’s legal readiness at a time when businesses are preparing for vast reforms to dismissal procedures, trade union activity, and employee consultation.
Shaun Harper, senior HR consultant at WorkNest, said: “Our research paints a clear picture of uncertainty. We’re seeing more HR teams than ever reaching out for reassurance that their contracts, policies and ER practices are watertight.
“The pace of legal change is rapid, even for the most experienced HR professionals and it’s only going to continue.
“Employers who take steps now to review and strengthen their HR foundations will be in a far stronger position once the new rules come into force.”
The survey also revealed that four in 10 (40%) HR professionals surveyed said “making a legal mistake” is their biggest people-related worry – ahead of concerns about morale, wellbeing, or recruitment.
Despite this, a third (33%) said admin and compliance take up the bulk of their time.
Shaun added: “The reality is that HR professionals are stretched. They’re spending so much time resolving day-to-day issues that there’s little room to step back and review their practices to ensure they’re legally robust.
“However, now is the time for organisations to audit policies and review processes to minimise risk and build confidence in their HR practices ahead of the new legislation.”
