First published on Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Last updated on Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Welcome to HR Heartbeat, where we give you a rundown of the week’s top employment law stories. Stay on the pulse of current trends impacting your business, plus get up-to-the-minute commentaries on all things HR and legal.
Bolt drivers get worker status
An employment tribunal has found that Bolt drivers are workers and not independent or self-employed contractors.
The tribunal ruled on the basis that despite drivers being able to reject or cancel trips, Bolt passengers weren’t considered customers of the driver because drivers had no freedom to decide their remuneration or terms.
As workers, they will be entitled to rights and protection under employment law such as minimum wage, paid annual leave, the right to flexible working and more.
Employment status is a rising topic of concern for employers especially as Labour are planning to strengthen several worker rights and protections under the Employment Rights Bill.
For instant advice on this topic, ask our AI advice tool Brainbox: What is contained in the new Employment Rights Bill?
Paying your staff early for Christmas? Read tips from payroll experts
There are no rules in place that force you to pay your employees early in December. But some employers might choose to pay staff early, especially as it can help your employees with budgeting and making sure all festive activities are paid upfront.
If you do decide to pay employees early and you normally pay your staff by BACS, any new pay date will have to be processed in time to ensure a clear BACS processing day to facilitate payments.
You must make sure your regular pay date is reported to HMRC, via your full payment submission. Not just the date you change your pay date to.
Read more tips in our latest blog: An employer’s guide to running December payroll
Hospitality industry most affected by Budget 2024
According to experts, the hospitality industry is most likely to be disproportionately affected by the rising cost of Employer National Insurance contributions.
This may have an impact on workers’ job security as it’s predicted businesses may need to make job cuts to pay the new rates.
Starting April 2025, employer National Insurance rates are set to rise from 13.8% to 15%. Plus, the earnings threshold at which employers must start paying this new rate will drop from £9,100 to £5,000, impacting lower-paid employees.
For more advice on how the Budget is likely to impact your business and payroll, read our latest blog: Autumn Budget 2024: How to prepare your payroll
Christmas ad spending reaches record highs
UK advertising spending is expected to rise by 7.8% this Christmas ad season. Hitting projected highs of over £10 billion.
Companies seem to be shifting attention away from TV advertising to online advertising as online display ad spending has risen to 15.6%.
Do you have a special offer you want to advertise before Christmas? Reach 1 million+ potential customers without touching your advertising budget with our online marketplace, Bright Exchange.
And that’s a wrap. Tune in next week for more headlines to make sure you stay ahead of major employment law changes!
