Upcoming event to put spotlight on new employment laws
An event taking place on 16th November will bring together business leaders and organisations from across the region to demystify and offer practical approaches to important Employment Rights Act 2025 changes coming into effect on 30th October.
Attendees will also learn about existing legislation changes which a recent local survey showed organisations do not have enough awareness of.
The event will be held at Royal Wootton Bassett Rugby Club from 3-5pm, in association with Wiltshire Police, Thrings, KR HR & Training Consultancy and SWA, and sponsored by GEL Studios. Bringing together local experts, it will offer clear, practical guidance for businesses navigating issues like Domestic Abuse, which until now have received limited attention in many workplaces.
Designed as a working session for business leaders and HR teams, it will cover what the law now requires, what good support looks like in practice, and how to build policies that protect the people affected.
More responsibility for employers
This event comes at a key time, with upcoming legislative change placing greater responsibility on employers to safeguard staff – including those working from home or engaging with third parties – organisations are being asked to take a more active role in awareness and prevention. A recent survey of Wiltshire businesses found that many are unsure where to start: leaders want to do right by their staff but often lack the guidance or framework to do so.
According to the ONS Crime Survey for England and Wales, up to year ending March 2025, estimates 8.6% of the population over the age of 16 have experienced harassment, over 7.7 million people have experienced some form of sexual assault and 3.8 million people have experienced domestic abuse.
Speaking ahead of the event, local organiser and businessman James Phipps said, “This unique, free session is not a networking event, it is not being designed for sales opportunities. It is purely to give local leaders the right insight and knowledge to understand their legal responsibilities and can then act accordingly.”
Kathryn Fairlie, Director at KR HR & Training Consultancy, said, “On top of the changes in employment law, the way in which many businesses operate has evolved over recent years, with homeworking increasingly prevalent. This seminar will help employers to consider different risks in a practical, logical way, including being mindful of how domestic abuse can impact people at work. The right response as an employer can change, and potentially save, someone’s life.”
Mark Cooper, Deputy Chief Constable of Wiltshire Police, added, “I encourage leaders from organisations across Wiltshire to attend this event and play their part in creating safer communities.”
Those interested in attending can book their free tickets through EventBrite
