Case studies

The Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023, which received Royal Assent on 18 September 2023, will give workers the right to request a more predictable working pattern.

When this new law comes into force all workers, including those on zero hours contracts and agency workers, will have the right to request a predictable working pattern if their existing working pattern lacks certainty in respect of the hours or times worked.

They could ask for a minimum number of guaranteed hours, for example, or clarity over which days of the week they will be asked to work.

It will also apply to those on fixed term contracts that last less than 12 months who will be allowed to ask for a longer fixed term or to go permanent.

Before a request can be made, 26 weeks’ service is likely to be needed.

Once a worker has made such a request, their employer will be required to notify them of its decision within one month.

Employers will be able to refuse a request but only on one of 6 prescribed grounds such as detrimental impact on ability to meet customer demand. Acas will produce a new Code of Practice to provide guidance on making and handling requests. It is expected that this new right will come into force in approximately a year.

The Labour Force Survey suggests that between November 2016 to February 2017, there were more people in work, the number of unemployed people fell and the number of people aged between 16 and 64 not working and not seeking or available to work also fell.

31.84 million people were in work, which is 39,000 more than in September to November 2016 and 312,000 more than the previous year.

The employment rate was 74.6% which is the joint highest since comparable record began in 1971.

There were 1.56 million unemployed people which was 45,000 less than September to November 2016 and 141,000 less that the previous year.

The unemployment rate was down 0.4% from the previous year to 4.7%, which is the lowest it has been since June to August 1975. This unemployment rate relates to the proportion of the labour force that were unemployed.

There were 8.8million people aged from 16 to 64 who were economically inactive (not working and not seeking or available to work) 10,000 less than September to November 2016 and 36,000 less than a year earlier.

Recruitment & Employment Confederation chief executive, Kevin Green, said, "The labour market is moving in a positive direction, with employment at a record high and unemployment still falling. Our monthly jobs report shows placements via recruiters are increasing and demand for staff is at an 18 month peak, so it's likely employment numbers will continue to creep up.

"However, wage growth is slowing as inflation is rising, meaning people are feeling the pinch as their take home pay doesn't stretch as far. Our data shows employers are increasing starting salary offers to compete for the limited talent available. People will be tempted to move jobs as a way of increasing income, especially if pay in their current role remains static. As demand for staff increases yet supply of candidates deteriorates, employers need to reward their staff so they retain them.

"It's already really tough to find candidates and skills shortages have been intensifying. Sectors across the economy, from healthcare to food manufacturing, are reliant on EU workers. They're getting increasingly worried about how they'll cope if recruiting from abroad becomes even harder post-Brexit."

C is for career.

Career is a word you probably expect to hear from a recruitment company. Our aim is to find people jobs, to help them progress in their career within the specialist sectors.

We even use the tag line: Your Career, Your Future, Your Choice.

So what exactly does it mean and why have SER picked the word?

According to the Cambridge English Dictionary, career means, "a job or series of jobs that you do during your working life, especially if you continue to get better jobs and earn more money."

A successful career can be a huge contributor to personal happiness and financial security. When a person takes the time to think about their career, it often leaves them with goals and aims for how to do better, and will leave them with an idea of where they are now and what they need to do to get to the next level.

If someone doesn't consider their career development, they are likely to end up stuck in a dead end job that is not challenging them and as so much of our time is spent at work, if you aren't enjoying it, it can affect other areas of your life.

SER take the approach: Your Career, Your Future, Your Choice.

This is your career, and we love nothing more than hearing success stories of people who do well. We even promote this within our business; everyone is seen as a career professional. We understand that this can affect your future, but we also know that no one can force you into looking for a new job and wanting to progress your career.

One thing is certain though, if you are looking for a new job in one of our specialist sectors, SER will help you find that next step. We can give you advice and support as you progress your career.

Call: 01254 781 300
Web: www.serlimited.com