With January almost behind us (which puts it firmly on the ‘out’ list), it’s time to focus on what’s in for the year ahead. No fads here - just the latest updates from the employment and driving sectors, neatly packaged for your convenience.
So, grab a brew, take five, and let’s get stuck in.
Employment
2025 is shaping up to be an eventful year for employment law, with some big changes on the horizon. We’ve already covered the Employment Rights Bill, introduced to Parliament last year, but as with most new legislation, it can take a while before any reforms take effect. Still, it’s set to shake things up with changes such as "day one" unfair dismissal rights, limits on zero-hour contracts, expanded statutory sick pay eligibility, and tighter rules on "fire and rehire" practices - though most of these won’t kick in until 2026. Flexible working is also getting a glow-up, with employers needing solid reasons to refuse requests. Meanwhile, pay gap reporting will soon include ethnicity and disability, and we’re waiting to hear more about the long-awaited Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023. So, lots to watch, but don’t worry - we’ll keep you in the loop as it all unfolds!
Latest Employment Data...
This month's labour market figures show a combination of positive and challenging trends. Estimates for payrolled employees in the UK decreased by 32,000 (0.1%) between October and November 2024 but rose by 95,000 (0.3%) between November 2023 and November 2024. The early estimate for December 2024 shows a further decrease of 47,000 on the month, bringing the total to 30.3 million; this figure is provisional and may be revised.
The UK employment rate for people aged 16 to 64 years was estimated at 74.8% in September to November 2024, largely unchanged from a year ago but slightly lower than the previous quarter. The unemployment rate for those aged 16 years and over was 4.4% during the same period, higher than a year earlier and up from the previous quarter.
Economic inactivity among people aged 16 to 64 years decreased to 21.6%, reflecting improved labour market participation. However, job vacancies continued to decline, falling by 24,000 to 812,000 for the three months ending in December 2024. This marks the 30th consecutive period of decline, although vacancies remain above pre-pandemic levels.
Wage growth remained solid, with annual increases of 5.6% for both regular and total pay in the three months to November 2024. When adjusted for inflation, real-terms growth stood at 3.4%. In November, 42,000 working days were lost to labour disputes, primarily in the education and transport sectors. The Claimant Count for November 2024 rose to 1.769 million, influenced by changes to work search requirements. For more details, read the full ONS labour market report.
Driving
The UK and Switzerland have joined the EU in allowing international hauliers until 28 February to install second-generation smart tachographs, extending the original 31 December deadline. This grace period means no penalties for non-compliance during the transition, with several EU countries - including France, Italy, and Spain - also adopting the approach. The UK and Switzerland have also asked the EU to extend this leniency to their hauliers operating in EU states, but given adoption remains voluntary, operators should check local enforcement policies to make sure they stay compliant. Read more here .
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) is taking significant steps to address diabetes in the transport sector. Managing Director Richard Smith announced two key initiatives: developing a driver guidance paper with the Diabetes Safety Organisation and pursuing Diabetes Safe Accreditation in 2025. The move stems from a recent survey revealing professional drivers are twice as likely to develop diabetes, with unmanaged conditions potentially increasing workplace risks. By providing awareness training, promoting glucose testing, and creating supportive workplace environments, the RHA aims to make commercial transport the first diabetes-safe industry in the UK. Read full article.
UK Haulier has reported that the current driver shortage isn’t just about a lack of people - it’s about working conditions that make it hard to attract and keep people in the industry. Low pay, long hours, and an ageing workforce mean more drivers are leaving than joining, and while the government has pledged improvements, businesses are already feeling the pressure. Read more. As a recruitment agency, we know that pay, conditions, and career support make all the difference. If you’re looking for ways to strengthen your workforce, we’re here to help – get in touch today.
Events and webinars
ALP - Calculating Charge Rates in 2025
Online event: 21st February 2025
Get your tickets here.
ALP - NMW Compliance in 2025
Online event: 27th February 2025
Get your tickets here.
ALP - Complying with the GLAA Licensing Standards
Online event: 4th March 2025
Get your tickets here.
We'd love to hear from you!
DFR Roadmap is for you. We care you find it useful so if you have any suggestions around what you'd like to read, or if you have any questions for our team, please let us know. Get in touch with us today.
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