In this legal update of recent and future changes we summarise key changes that have been announced in HR and employment law for your reference.
New scheme to help ex-offenders return to work
A new scheme in the North of the country has been launched by the Ministry of Justice which helps ex-offenders find employment.
It is expected that around 250 people across the North and South Tyne, Hull and East Riding and South Yorkshire will be supported in finding jobs by recruitment specialist Offploy and the National Probation Service.
People with convictions often struggle to find work because of prejudice but the new scheme hope to overcome this as well as help to address the UK’s skill shortage. Acceptance to the scheme is subject to strict vetting procedures and demonstrate their willingness to work.
Lifetime Skills Guarantee
From April 2021, 400 hundred free training courses will become available to adults without a qualification at A level or equivalent. This is to boost in demand skills and provide job opportunities, which will be critical for moving on from the pandemic.
The training courses available will range from engineering through to healthcare and are part of the Government’s “Lifetime Skills Guarantee” and will receive £95 million funding.
You can find further information in the Government’s announcement about 400 free courses for adults.
Disclosure and Barring Service, DBS Changes
Following a supreme court judgement which deemed some of the existing rules relating to standard and enhanced DBS checks to be disproportionate, changes have been made to youth warnings, reprimands, and cautions.
It means that from 28 November, people with these convictions will find it easier to gain employment because they will not automatically be disclosed to employers who require DBS checks.
As a result of this ruling, new DBS guidance published by the Government, recommends that organisations update their recruitment processes and to check the Ministry of Justice website for which convictions or cautions should be disclosed by job candidates.
HR, Health and Safety Support
HR Solutions are here to provide you with support and advice on any employment, health and safety related issues; to find out more call us on 0844 324 5840 or contact us online.
