Ben Smith, Senior Associate, said, “I expect [the changes] will include a new code of practice from Acas which will put the onus on employers to implement policies and practices. I expect, though, that this will be fairly broad guidance on principles and best practice, and would give employers the scope and flexibility to find the right balance for their business — but there will be tricky issues to think through.”
It may also be more difficult for businesses to defend claims if they don’t have a ‘right to switch off’ policy in place. Smith added that he expects the changes to have little day-to-day impact but that the “big unknown” is what the “teeth” of the policy will be.
He said that if it includes the power to increase compensation, it will go further than current schemes abroad, “so it remains to be seen how far Labour will push this topic.”
