Employment law evolves yearly, and Lymington employers—small firms in tourism, marine services, hospitality, and local trades—need to stay informed. Ignoring legal changes can lead to fines, disputes, and reputational risk. Here are recent and upcoming changes all business owners should watch.
1. Changes in Flexible Working Rights
- New statutes expand employee rights to request flexible work from day one
- Employers must respond within a set time and must have valid reasons to refuse
2. Parental Leave & Shared Parental Leave Adjustments
- Increased flexibility in taking leave, possibly in discontinuous blocks
- Changes to notice periods and documentation requirements
3. National Minimum & Living Wage Updates
- Annual wage increases push more roles over thresholds
- Must adjust pay scales accordingly
4. Data Protection & Employee Privacy Rules
- Remote working requires secure data safeguards
- New rules may affect biometric data, employee monitoring, and CCTV usage
5. Redundancy & Dismissal Criteria
- Employers must follow fair and transparent selection procedures
- Changes to redundancy pay thresholds or consultation obligations
6. Extended Protections for Workers
- Enhanced protection for mental health conditions
- Changes to discrimination law or inclusive employment regulations
What Lymington Employers Should Do Now
- Review and update contracts, policies, and handbooks
- Train managers on new rights and obligations
- Audit payroll systems for pay and wage compliance
- Strengthen data protection and IT security
- Develop redundancy or dismissal policies in advance
Staying proactive shows your employees you value fairness and compliance.
✅ Legal Risk Doesn’t Have to Be Scary
With the right HR support, your Lymington business can navigate legal changes confidently. HR Support Services offers audits, contract reviews, and compliance updates to keep you protected. Get in touch today for a free assessment of your legal readiness.
