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, manufacturing, warehousing, FMCG, and waste management sectors, neatly packaged for your convenience.
So, grab a brew, take five, and let’s get stuck in.
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.
In FMCG...
First, some heartwarming news from the sector. Wall’s Pastry is putting its money where its mouth is to help tackle food poverty in the UK. For every pack of 10x55g sausage rolls sold, they’re donating 5p to Action Against Hunger, a charity fighting hunger in areas that need it most. Off the back of a bumper year with sales up 40%, Wall’s is encouraging everyone to “Grab a Wall’s” and turn a tasty treat into a small but mighty way to make a difference. Read full arcticle here.
Another newsletter, another brand collab - you know how we like to keep you up to date with the really crucial industry news. This time, it’s Weetabix jumping on the Biscoff bandwagon with a Caramelised Biscuit spin-off for its Crispy Minis. Billed as “fun, yet healthy” (is such a thing possible?) the HFSS-compliant cereal lands in Asda, Morrisons, Iceland, and Ocado next month, with a wider rollout later in the year. Expect a hefty marketing push, influencer campaigns, and yet more caramelised biscuit chatter - because let’s be honest, the Biscoff craze just won’t crumble. And we’re totally here for it. Read more.
In warehousing...
LiftEx 2025 is heading to Liverpool on 18-19th November, marking 20 years as the go-to event for the lifting equipment industry. After a packed 2024 show in London, this year’s edition promises cutting-edge tech, expert insights, and networking with decision-makers across industries like construction, transport, energy, and manufacturing. Expect hands-on demos, free training, and plenty of discussions on safety and best practices. With stand space and sponsorships filling fast, now’s the time to secure your spot – visit leeaint.com for details. Read more here.
In manufacturing...
Sunderland is set to become home to JATCO’s first European plant, thanks to a £50m investment deal with Nissan and the government. The site will create 183 high-value jobs and support over 400 more in the supply chain, producing electric vehicle powertrains for Nissan’s Sunderland plant. From 2026, JATCO aims to manufacture 340,000 units a year, reinforcing the UK’s position as a leader in electric vehicle (EV) production. Backed by the Advanced Propulsion Centre, this investment strengthens the North East’s growing manufacturing hub and highlights the UK’s push for a competitive EV supply chain. You can read more here
In waste and recycling...
Are you ripe and ready for a sustainable change? Sainsbury’s is smashing it with a fresh move -swapping plastic for paper and bamboo netting in their twin-pack avocado packaging. The switch, set to save 20.2 million pieces of plastic a year, is being trialled in 77 stores, with a wider rollout expected later this year. Claire Hughes, Sainsbury’s director of product and innovation, says it’s all part of their commitment to a greener future. Read more.
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.
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