Employers urged to prepare for harassment law changes
A new survey from workplace expert, Acas, found that over 2 in 5 employers (41%) are unaware of new legal changes they must adopt to prevent sexual harassment at work.
The Employment Rights Act 2025 strengthens the law on sexual harassment from 30 October 2026 when employers will need to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in their organisation.
In preparation for the new changes, Acas encourages employers to take proactive steps now to prevent sexual harassment, such as:
- reviewing and updating existing policies
- assessing and managing risk
- providing meaningful training
The YouGov poll asked British businesses about whether they were aware of the new change. The survey found 41% were unaware, while 59% were aware.
Acas has updated its advice on sexual harassment at work to help prepare employers for the new changes. The updates also reflect an upcoming new law change of organisations being liable for third party harassment, such as from customers or the public – unless they have taken all reasonable steps to prevent it.
Read more on the HSM website.
Plug-in solar panels are coming to a shop near you – here’s what to know
Plug-in solar panels will be hitting the shelves of DIY shops and High Street retailers after the government changed the rules to allow them to be legally sold in the UK.
They are significantly cheaper than roof panels, can be installed without an electrician and are suitable for properties with outdoor space, including some balconies.
Retailers including Argos will be stocking products from Thursday, and the government expects other shops to follow suit.
It hopes plug-in solar panels will help households save money and reduce reliance on overseas fuel sources, the price of which has fluctuated in recent months due to the Middle East conflict.
Customers should get their wiring checked by a professional to ensure it is safe before parting with cash, experts say.
Learn more on the BBC website.
Farmer fined after ATV overturn kills employee
Following the death of a farm employee in Monmouthshire after an ATV he was a passenger in overturned, the owner of the farm, Allen Roberts, has been fined £5500.
The ATV was being driven down a hillside at Wyesham, Monmouthshire, when the incident occurred on 25 August 2022. The driver of the ATV lost control of the vehicle and Mr Williams, 58, was ejected from the vehicle which did not have any doors.
He suffered fatal crush injuries and died at the scene.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that neither Colin Williams or the driver of the vehicle had been provided with adequate training and neither of the men were wearing seat belts. The investigation also found that no routine pre-use checks were made on any of the vehicles owned by Allen Roberts that were used on the farm to ensure they were safe to use.
For more on the incident visit the HSE website.
AC for all London bus cabs after Unite campaign
Unite, the union representing passenger transport workers, has announced it has secured agreement for major improvements to working conditions for London’s bus drivers.
Following Unite’s campaigning work around hot weather working, Transport for London (TfL) and the capital’s bus operators have now committed to fitting all London bus driver cabs with air conditioning by May 2027.
At present, most London buses have cheaper and largely ineffective air cooling systems which take air from outside and circulate it around and can only lower temperatures by two or three degrees during heatwaves.
This summer, London experienced a record-breaking 40 days where the weather exceeded 30 degrees Celsius. Unite members working as bus drivers spoke out about the impact this had on their health, suffering problems including heatstroke, dehydration and fatigue as the temperatures inside their cabs rose to highs of 50 degrees. With some having to stop in service as they couldn’t physically continue.
The plans were agreed by the extreme weather taskforce, where Unite has been negotiating alongside TfL, London’s bus operators and the Greater London Authority since earlier this summer.
Visit the HSM website to learn more.
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