The government has outlined a timeline for implementing its Employment Rights Bill, which will bring several significant changes to employment law, affecting businesses in the East Midlands. Companies will need to prepare for increased administrative tasks, including updating staff contracts, managing higher costs, and addressing new paperwork requirements.

Starting in April 2026, the Bill will grant workers “day one” rights for paternity and unpaid parental leave. Statutory sick pay will be extended, with the removal of the lower earnings limit. By October 2026, businesses will no longer be able to use “fire and rehire” practices, and employers will be required to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

By 2027, additional protections will be introduced for pregnant women and new mothers, including enhanced dismissal protections. Employers will also face new measures to prevent unfair dismissal from the very first day of employment. These changes will require businesses to adjust their practices and ensure compliance with the new legal landscape.

West Northamptonshire Council is inviting local residents, businesses, and community groups to help shape the future of Northampton town centre through the draft Northampton Town Centre Masterplan. This initiative aims to provide a long-term vision for the area, focusing on enhancing streets, public spaces, housing, and supporting local businesses.

Building on significant ongoing projects such as the revitalisation of Market Square and plans to redevelop former M&S and BHS stores, the masterplan offers a cohesive approach to guide future investments. The goal is to ensure these developments meet the needs of the community and align with their aspirations.

Key to the plan is a focus on making the town more walkable and better connected, improving the riverside to boost leisure and nature spaces, and restoring heritage buildings to their former glory. The vision also includes creating more housing options in the town centre to foster a vibrant, mixed-use community that supports local shops, promotes pedestrian and cycling access, and increases the area’s overall vibrancy.

To gather community input, the council has launched a dedicated website, northamptonforward.com, where people can review the proposals, explore different ideas, and share their feedback through a brief survey. This initial round of engagement will inform the final version of the masterplan, which will be published later this year, ensuring that future changes reflect the priorities of those who live and work in Northampton.

Leicestershire Business Voice recently hosted an insightful event focused on diversity and inclusion, highlighting its importance for modern businesses. The event, held in collaboration with De Montfort University Leicester (DMU), aimed to demonstrate how creating inclusive workplaces is no longer just a moral choice but a key business strategy.

Business leaders from industries like recruitment, manufacturing, and technology shared their experiences and strategies for fostering diverse and inclusive work environments. The session explored the broader definition of diversity, the obstacles in creating open workplaces, and how language barriers can sometimes hinder progress.

A major takeaway was the importance of organisational culture in driving success. Speakers stressed that business culture should be a priority for leaders, as it shapes company values, employee behaviour, and relationships within the workforce. The event also addressed how diverse teams contribute to innovation, talent attraction, and overall business resilience.

The discussions underscored the value of honest conversations in effecting change and improving business practices. Organisations that prioritise culture and inclusivity are more likely to thrive in the long term, with diversity naturally emerging as a result.