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Pod 6, The Engine Rooms, Station Road
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For more than 10 years we have provided companies of all sizes and in a variety of sectors with uncomplicated, innovative and affordable human resources advice and on-site support ensuring that your people are an asset to your company and not a liability.

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With the National Minimum Wage (NMW) now almost fifteen years old, and with another increase pending on 1st April 2017 HMRC have issued a list of the most elaborate excuses they've been given by employers for not paying the appropriate rates:

The Right to Disconnect

Alan Kitto

The Government is preparing to introduce new legislation aimed at ensuring employees have the right to disconnect from work outside of their contracted hours. This move is part of a broader initiative to improve work-life balance and protect workers' mental health and well-being.

Under the proposed plans, employees will no longer be expected to respond to emails, phone calls, or other work-related communications during their personal time. Employers will be required to respect this boundary, recognising that continuous connectivity can lead to stress, burnout, and a blurred line between personal and professional life.

The ‘right to disconnect’ will apply across various industries, with specific guidelines being developed to accommodate different work arrangements, including remote and flexible working. Employers must review and potentially adjust their existing policies to ensure compliance with the new rules.

This initiative is part of the government's ongoing efforts to adapt employment laws to the evolving nature of work, especially in the digital age where employees are increasingly reachable outside traditional office hours. The proposed legislation reflects growing concerns about the impact of technology on workers' mental health and aims to create a healthier, more sustainable work environment.

The Government plans to consult with employers, trade unions, and other stakeholders to finalise the details of the legislation, with implementation expected in the coming months. Businesses are encouraged to start considering how they can support their employees' right to disconnect through policy changes and by fostering a culture that values work-life balance.

The latest updates suggest that breaching these new rules is unlikely to give rise to a specific legal claim, but it could increase the compensation in other claims where this has had an impact.

Advocates for the new law argue that it will not only improve employee well-being but also enhance productivity, as well-rested employees are more likely to be engaged and effective during their working hours. Critics, however, warn of potential challenges in certain sectors where responsiveness outside of standard hours is considered critical.

As the Government moves forward with these plans, employees and employers alike are advised to stay informed about the forthcoming changes and prepare for the transition to a more balanced approach to work.

For more information on this or any other HR matter, please get in touch.