On the horizon

After a tumultuous year for businesses and their staff, what does 2021 have in store?  If 2020 has demonstrated anything, it's that crystal ball-gazing is a risky endeavour.   But there are a few items which we know will be on the HR agenda this year:

Brexit:  The UK's transition period ends on 31 December 2020.   It is still unclear whether a deal will be agreed between the UK and EU in time for this deadline.   Employers whose staff or operations will be affected by a no-deal Brexit need to have well-advanced contingency plans in place. 

Furlough scheme:  This has now been extended so that it will end on 30 April 2021, with no anticipated increase in employer contributions under the scheme. 

Off-payroll working:  The changes to IR35 which were originally due to come into force in April 2020 now come into force in April 2021.  Any medium or large businesses which engage contractors through intermediaries will need to comply with the new requirements.   For more information about these changes and how to prepare for them, take a look at our IR35 hub.

Employment cases  We're awaiting decisions in a number of important employment cases, including Supreme Court judgments about whether Uber drivers are workers and another case about whether workers should be paid the minimum wage for sleep-in shifts.   We anticipate these judgments will be issued next year. 

To watch a recording of our webinar "What's on the HR Agenda for 2021" please click here.