Key HR updates for employers, training bursaries for crafters and the reality of self-driving vehicles on UK roads becomes closer
Today at MLS Accountancy we support employers as they navigate key changes in HR in terms of employee health and disability, and protection for pregnant employees. We also signpost readers to training bursaries for enthusiastic crafters looking to make a living out of their passion, and how the Automated Vehicles Act is enabling self-driving vehicles to become a reality in the UK.
Support with employee health and disability
A new service has been launched to help employers and managers with employee health and disability.
The guidance contained in the service will help in supporting employees and to understand any legal requirements. There are also links provided to government and other organisations that are able to help.
The guidance contains information on:
- Managing absences and staying in touch with employees.
- In and out of work conversations with your employees.
- Helping you to decide on changes that may help employees stay or come back to work.
- How to protect your business and your employees with policies and procedures.
- How to manage complex situations.
The service asks you questions, such as “Is your employee currently at work?” or “Has your employee told you they have a health condition or disability?”. Depending on your answers it then provides advice and information about what you need to do.
To try the new service out, see: https://www.support-with-employee-health-and-disability.dwp.gov.uk/support-with-employee-health-and-disability
Updated guidance for pregnancy and maternity protections
Updated guidance has been issued by the Equality and Human Rights Commission to help employers. The guidance provides advice on what employers can do to prevent pregnancy and maternity discrimination at work.
The updates are due to the new flexible working laws that came into effect in April 2024, and they outline the changes that employers will have to make because of these laws.
These changes include:
- Extending protection from redundancy.
- In a redundancy situation, offering suitable alternative employment.
- Dealing with the new right to request flexible working from the first day of employment.
- Increasing the flexibility in how paternity leave is used.
Employers should ensure that they are up-to-date and compliant with the new laws, and the guidance can help with doing that.
To review the guidance in full, see: https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/guidance/pregnancy-and-maternity-pregnancy
Training bursaries available for crafters
Are you wanting to start your journey into craft, or do you want to turn your hobby into a career? If so, you may be able to apply for a training bursary from Heritage Crafts.
In total, 27 bursaries are available depending on individual need with some ringfenced for black and ethnically diverse trainees, veterans, trainees in Scotland and Wales, and those working in decorative, rural and endangered crafts. Craftspeople from Northern Ireland are also being encouraged to apply.
The bursary of up to £4,000 can cover or contribute to the costs of:
- Training as an apprentice with a craftperson.
- Attending a specialist training course.
- Carrying out a self-directed programme of training with a craftsperson or craftspeople.
- Specialist tools or materials, books or study materials, as well as supporting travel and accommodation (if this is no more than 30% of the total budget).
The bursaries cannot be used for general living expenses, trainee salary, research, promotional activities or anything else.
The application deadline is 5pm on Friday 5 July 2024.
For more information and to apply, see: https://www.heritagecrafts.org.uk/opportunities/training-bursaries/
Automated Vehicles Act brings self-driving vehicles closer to reality
Self-driving vehicles are set to be on British roads by 2026 following the enactment of the Automated Vehicles (AV) Act.
Automated vehicles are expected to improve road safety by reducing human error, which is estimated to be responsible for 88% of road collisions.
The AV Act, which was first announced in the King’s Speech of November 2023, attempts to position the UK as a leader in self-driving technology regulation, that according to government estimates, will potentially unlock a £42 billion industry and create over 38,000 skilled jobs by 2035.
The legislation mandates that self-driving vehicles must meet high safety standards at least equivalent to careful and equivalent human drivers and includes rigorous safety checks before vehicles are road-ready. This could significantly reduce accidents caused by drink driving, speeding, fatigue, and inattention.
Self-driving vehicles may also be able to help address driver shortages, such as those being experienced by the haulage industry. It could also have real value in mining and other industries where work is dangerous.
The AV Act follows successful trials by British companies like Wayve and Oxa, which are testing self-driving cars in London and Oxford.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper hailed the law as a milestone for the self-driving industry, expecting that self-driving vehicles will enhance travel safety and boost the economy.
Key industry figures, including Paul Newman of Oxa and Alex Kendall of Wayve, praised the Act for its rigorous standards and its potential to establish the UK as a global leader in autonomous vehicle technology.
Apple and Microsoft announce new product updates
Both Apple and Microsoft have announced updates to their product lines in recent weeks. Apple unveiled updates to their iPad Air and iPod Pro lines, and Microsoft have introduced Copilot + PCs as showcased by their new Surface Pro and Laptop.
These releases by both companies appear to underline the emphasis they are putting on the potential offered by generative AI.
In Microsoft’s case this has been placed up front and centre. Copilot + PCs have been announced as the beginning of a new AI era, and this is underlined by the new processor chips being used by Microsoft in their new devices. The new devices will use Qualcomm’s Snapdragon (ARM) processors that are specialised for AI rather than the Intel (x86) processors that are inside most of our current Windows machines.
ARM processors are desirable for various reasons, for instance they are more power efficient, meaning that batteries last longer, and are less expensive to manufacture. Most mobile devices run ARM processors. Microsoft have been pioneering a version of Windows that runs on ARM processors for a number of years, however other PC and laptop manufacturers have been slow to follow suit. Software companies have also been slow to update their software to run on the ARM version of Windows, which has made it difficult for many businesses to consider ARM processor loaded Windows machines.
This all looks set to change with Copilot + PCs. In addition to Microsoft’s own devices, Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung all have Copilot + PCs on the way. Intel and AMD will also be joining Qualcomm in making AI-powered processors. So, there now seems to be full support across the industry.
Copilot + PCs will work just like any other conventional computer but will also use on-device AI-powered features. These will include the ability to search using natural language, generate images locally, and improve the performance of creative apps.
Apple’s release of new iPads didn’t specifically focus on any AI features. However, it is widely thought that the new M4 processor released in the iPad Pro is set up for AI use. Apple’s annual WWDC event is being held in June and this usually details updates coming to Apple’s Mac, iPad and iPhone operating software. AI is expected to be the theme of this year’s event.
For businesses considering replacing and upgrading IT equipment in the next few months, it may pay to wait until after WWDC to be able to compare what Apple and Microsoft are offering.