This Week in Employment Law CIPD publishes report on flexible working


Flexible working is pivotal to the attraction and retention of talent, suggests CIPD report on flexible and hybrid working.


• The report highlights that around 1.1 million employees say they have left a job in the last year due to a lack of flexible working, and this is particularly the case for younger employees.


• Around a fifth say their organisations are more likely to grant flexible working requests following the changes introduced in April 2024, including the day one right to request flexible working.


• The Government plans to strengthen flexible working provisions under the Employment Rights Bill. The report found that if these reforms become law, more than a third expect an increase in the number of flexible working requests their organisation accepts.


• Key recommendations for employers in the report include: prepare for potential changes by updating policies and processes, revising recruitment processes and providing training and support for line managers in managing flexible workers.


Our HR Documentation Team can provide a bespoke flexible working and hybrid working policy for your business. You can also ask Croner BrAInbox: Do I have to let employees use hybrid working?


New call for evidence on unpaid internships


HR


As part of its Plan for Change, the Government is seeking views from stakeholders on unpaid internships, internships paid below the National Minimum Wage (NMW), and other roles that may be unpaid or paid below the NMW. The Government has committed to banning unpaid internships, unless they are part of an educational


or training course,


however it acknowledges that it has limited evidence in this area and will therefore use the call for evidence to gather data to inform future policy decisions. The call


for evidence


closes at 11.59pm on 9 October 2025 and the Government says it will publish


its response


January/February 2026. Did you know?


Our HR Advisory Team are here to help you comply with your minimum wage obligations.


in


Waste company ordered to pay over £400,000


H&S


A waste firm has been fined after a council worker was crushed between two vehicles, causing him significant injuries. The incident occurred when the employee was closing the tailgate of his tractor after unloading waste into a nearby bay. An HSE investigation found that the company had failed to conduct a suitable risk assessment, separate vehicles from pedestrians or provide a safe system of work in a temporary construction area. The firm pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act. The case serves as a reminder for employers to assess risks thoroughly, maintain effective traffic management, provide staff training, and review safety measures regularly.


Did you know?


Croner offers a 24/7 H&S advice line, where our accredited H&S advisers can support with H&S concerns.


Directorwins constructive dismissal claim


HR


After being told to ‘shut up’ by a fellow director on fortnightly Teams meetings that included junior staff, the claimant eventually went off sick and resigned. The tribunal heard how although parts of the claimant’s grievance were upheld, no proactive steps were taken to resolve matters, and he was left with no choice but to resign.


It concluded that the


cumulative effect of the conduct was a fundamental breach of the implied term of trust and confidence. The tribunal upheld the claim for constructive unfair dismissal but reduced the award by 50% due to the claimant’s


involvement Did you know?


Our legal team can represent your business in Employment Tribunal Claims.


in the


breakdown of the relationship. (Mr D Ashe v Claims Equilibrium Club Ltd).


SafelyCharging and Storing EV Units in theWorkplace


H&S


The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) brings new safety requirements, such as fire risk assessments on thermal runaways in charging areas, cable faults, moisture, poor ventilation, and overnight charging. Locate charging zones far from flammable storage; consider Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR)


assessments. Emergency


Planning must include battery malfunction protocols, i.e. isolating batteries, moving vehicles 15m from combustible materials, ventilating, and evacuation. Regularly inspect charge point connectors, cables, and enclosures to prevent overheating. Document findings and limit repairs to qualified personnel. Train staff on usage rules. Display contact details for damage or fault reporting.


Did you know?


You should use signage and brief inductions to direct safe use, etiquette, and incident protocols.


Please contact the 24 hour advice service for advice on your specific situation before acting on the information in this publication. 01/08/2025


Let’s talk t: 0844 561 8133 w: croner.co.uk


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