Chief Exec’s report Q4 2024
Read the full Q4 2024 Quarterly Review 3 minute read Our final survey of the year makes for tough reading, and there is little sign of brighter times immediately ahead within it. It follows a more marginal but clearly concerning third quarter review and reflects the accelerated conversations we have had with industry over the […]
YEYA 2025
Submit your application for YEYA 2025 The Scottish Engineering Young Engineer of the Year Award (YEYA), has recognised and celebrated the best young engineers in Scotland for nearly 30 years. Is there a young member of your team who has shown excellence, innovation, and imagination within your industry? Encourage them to submit an application […]
Funding boost from UKRI for Scottish offshore wind sector
A pioneering partnership between the University of Edinburgh, the University of Dundee and the Forth and Tay Offshore (FTO) cluster has been boosted by a £2.5 million innovation funding award from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The UK Government-backed body’s UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has made the award through its Place […]
Legal update webinar – Employment Rights Bill updates
Catch up with our latest legal update, looking at the new Employment Rights Bill You will have no doubt seen the new Employment Rights Bill, unveiled by the Labour Government on 10 October 2024, included a raft of changes to come for employment law. This marks the most significant overhaul of employment legislation in decades. […]
Legal update – New worker protection law
A wake-up call for Employers amid the new worker protection law In a recent episode of The Graham Norton Show, Saoirse Ronan delivered a powerful message that has since gone viral, highlighting the everyday safety concerns women face. During a discussion with fellow actors Eddie Redmayne, Paul Mescal, and Denzel Washington, Ronan pointed out the […]
Legal update – Advancing Menopause Awareness in Male-Dominated Industries
World Menopause Day 2024: Advancing Menopause Awareness in Male-Dominated Industries As World Menopause Day 2024 approaches, this year’s theme of Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT) brings a crucial focus to an often-overlooked aspect of workplace health. For industries like engineering, which are predominantly male-dominated, understanding and addressing menopause in the workforce is a significant yet frequently […]
Legal update – Prioritising Mental Health in the Workplace
World Mental Health Day 2024: Prioritising Mental Health in the Workplace On October 10, 2024, we observe World Mental Health Day with the theme “It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace”. This theme underscores the urgent need to address mental health issues within professional environments, particularly focusing on the prevention of burnout, […]
Legal update – Addressing Abuse Allegations
The Role of Employers and HR in the Wake of Mohammed Al Fayed Claims Recent claims against Mohammed Al Fayed, the former Harrods owner, have reignited concerns over workplace abuse, highlighting a troubling scenario where employees felt powerless to report misconduct. Several women have come forward with serious allegations of sexual harassment and abuse by […]
Supercharging the Future of Engineering in Scotland
Author Primary Engineer 5 minute read Scotland boasts a rich history of engineering excellence that has profoundly shaped its economic and social landscape, from the innovative designs of James Watt, whose improvements to the steam engine propelled the Industrial Revolution, to the groundbreaking work of John Logie Baird, the pioneer of television. Scotland’s engineers […]
Legal update – Government to Treat Extreme Misogyny as a Form of Extremism in New Counter-Extremism Strategy
The UK government is set to take a firmer stance on extreme misogyny by classifying it as a form of extremism under its upcoming counter-extremism strategy. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has commissioned a review of the current strategy to better address the rising threats posed by harmful ideologies, including the increasing hatred of women. This […]
Legal update – Home Secretary issues written statement on legal migration to the UK
Following the Home Secretary’s recent written statement on legal migration (see Legal update, Home Secretary issues written statement on legal migration to the UK), the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has been commissioned to review the reliance on international recruitment in both the IT and telecommunications professionals and engineering professionals sectors. The MAC is instructed to […]
Company fined after worker loses fingers
A multi-national food company has been fined more than £300,000 after one of its workers lost four fingers on his right hand while unblocking a machine at a site in Glasgow. The company received the fine following an incident at its factory in Hillington on 4 August 2021. The 39-year-old man was working on a […]
The European Union’s AI Act: Establishing a Regulatory Framework for AI Systems
The European Union’s AI Act came into force 1st August 2024, marking a significant step toward establishing a regulatory and legal framework for AI systems within Europe. This act categorises AI systems based on their potential impact on safety, human rights, and societal well-being, dividing them into three categories: prohibited, high-risk, and minimal risk. AI […]
Navigating Complex Employment Decisions: The Huw Edwards Case and Employer Responsibilities
Huw Edwards, a well-known BBC presenter, recently pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children. This follows allegations made in May 2023. The BBC is now under intense scrutiny for its decision to suspend Edwards with pay between November 2023 and April 2024, despite knowing of his arrest for serious offenses in November 2023. Edwards […]
What happens if an employee is publicly named following arrest?
The attack in Southport, resulting in the deaths of three girls in a Taylor Swift yoga class, has shocked the nation. Following the incident and riots that have taken place across the country, several individuals were arrested, and their identities have been widely publicised. This has created a ripple effect, not only in the immediate […]
Health and Safety at Work Act Celebrates 50 Years: Calls for Enhanced Support
The Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 was introduced following a period marked by numerous industrial accidents. One of the most tragic incidents during this time was the Aberfan mining disaster in 1966, which claimed the lives of 116 children and 28 adults Today, 31 July, marks the 50th anniversary of the Health […]
Government Commits to a Genuine Living Wage for Working People
In a significant step towards increasing the earnings of working individuals, the government has announced a major overhaul of the Low Pay Commission (LPC) remit on Tuesday, July 30th. This reform marks the beginning of the government’s commitment to ensuring a genuine living wage for all workers. The updated remit will now require the LPC […]
Council Worker Loses Belief Discrimination Claim Over Controversial Email Sign-Off
A council worker who signed off emails with “XYChromosomeGuy/ AdultHumanMale” instead of using preferred pronouns has lost his claim for belief discrimination. Although the judge criticised East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s pronoun policy as “poorly thought through and badly executed,” the tribunal ruled in favor of the council. Case Background James Orwin, an ICT […]
New Code of Practice on ‘Fire and Rehire’ Now in Effect
As of 18th July 2024, the statutory Code of Practice on ‘Fire and Rehire’ officially came into force. However, its long-term application remains uncertain. The Department for Business & Trade has introduced the Code of Practice on Dismissal and Re-engagement, which employment tribunals are now required to consider in relevant cases, such as those involving […]
Legal update: The King’s speech – what you need to know
The King’s Speech is a pivotal event in UK parliamentary democracy, setting out the government’s legislative agenda for the upcoming parliamentary session. On July 17, 2024, the newly elected Labour Government delivered its inaugural King’s Speech, unveiling plans for two major employment-related bills: The Employment Rights Bill The Draft Equality (Race and Disability) Bill While the previous […]
Legal update – EHRC Updates Guidance on Preventing Workplace Sexual Harassment
On July 9, 2024, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) released updated guidance for employers on complying with the new duty to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. This new chapter will be added to the existing EHRC technical guidance titled “Sexual Harassment and Harassment at Work,” published in 2020. The updated guidance is open for […]
Scotland’s Manufacturing & Engineering Skills Survey
The Scotland’s Manufacturing & Engineering Skills Survey is now live! We are kindly asking member companies to complete the survey as we need the support of Scotland’s manufacturing and engineering companies to help us address the single biggest threat to our industry: skills shortages. The aim is to generate the best possible response as this […]
Employment law update – Immigration Law Updates in 2024
Immigration law is frequently evolving and 2024 will see a significant number of changes we feel members should be aware of. The UK Government has recently set out its five-point plan for immigration, which, if implemented in full, will see a number of changes to various immigration routes in the coming year that could impact […]
Dingwall Consultancy Service
Author Andy Beattie Managing Director at Dingwall Consultancy Services Ltd X minute read In today’s ever evolving business world software applications have and will continue to play an important part in helping businesses thrive. Are you interested in sweating the capability of your investment you have made to date or will make in the […]
Spring Budget – What you need to know
You will have seen the Spring Budget announced by the Chancellor on Wednesday. There are a number of areas for our members to note. One of the major announcements is that the starting rate for NI will change from 10% to 8% for 27 million workers across the UK from 6 April 2024. Since 6 […]
Employment law update – Further Gender Critical Beliefs Case
A claim has succeeded at Employment Tribunal against the Open University (OU) brought by a former Professor who worked for the OU, for direct discrimination, harassment, victimisation and constructive dismissal, all related to her gender critical beliefs. The Tribunal found that her views, including that a person cannot change their biological sex and that sex […]
Legal update – tribunal fees
The government is considering the reintroduction of fees for taking claims to an Employment Tribunal and appealing to the Employment Appeal Tribunal. Members may remember the previous attempt to do so, which was struck down as unlawful following a challenge by Unison on the basis that the level of fees acted as a barrier to […]
The Paternity Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024
The Paternity Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024, if enacted in their current form will make the following changes: – Employees will be able to take their paternity leave as 2 separate weeks rather than being required to take either just a single week or 2 consecutive weeks. The leave will be able to be taken at […]
Engineering Apprentice of the Year Award 2024
Submit your application for Engineering Apprentice of the Year Award 2024 We are delighted to announce that applications are now open for Engineering Apprentice of the Year Award. This incredible opportunity for our industry’s apprentices will recognise the enthusiasm, innovation and imagination of up-and-coming engineers and manufacturers. Is there an engineering apprentice in your […]
YEYA 2024
Submit your application for YEYA 2024 The Scottish Engineering Young Engineer of the Year Award (YEYA), has recognised and celebrated the best young engineers in Scotland for over 25 years. Is there a young member of your team who has shown excellence, innovation, and imagination within your industry? Encourage them to submit an application […]
Important Employment Law Changes in 2024
Early 2024 promises to be a busy time for changes in Employment Law, with a particular focus on family friendly policies. It’s particularly busy because the Government did not issue an employment bill in 2022/23, so much of the legislation that was being proposed and under discussion has waited until 2024 for implementation. The first […]
See what we have been up to in 2023
Our 2023 review video is here A huge thank you to all of our members for helping make 2023 such a success, here’s what we got up to this year:
Metalworking Inspections: Looking After Your Metalworking Fluid
Maintenance of fluid quality is key to controlling risk The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced that it will be inspecting manufacturing businesses that use metalworking fluids or ‘white water’ in their machining processes until March. One of the common reasons that manufacturing companies, particularly smaller businesses, fail compliance is that regular fluid quality […]
National Minimum Wage changes for 2024
National Minimum Wage changes for 2024 The Government have now published the National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates for 2024. Please note, these do not come into effect until 1 April 2024. The new rates are: 21 and over (National Living Wage): £11.44 18 to 20: £8.60 Under 18: £6.40 Apprentice: £6.40 Members will notice that […]
Breathe Safe Campaign
The Breathe Safe Campaign is seeking to raise awareness across the engineering sector on the potentially serious health effects of exposure to welding fume and they have asked Scottish Engineering to share information on this critical issue with our members. There are estimated to be up to 80,000 welders in the UK, and every day […]
AI use
The Legal & HR Team at Scottish Engineering are reviewing the use of generative AI applications such as Chat GPT in the context of the workplace. This technology is new and ever-advancing, however, we would like to draw your attention to some FAQ and the associated risks with using such applications. What is generative […]
ACAS Code of Practice Flexible Working
ACAS is reviewing its Code of Practice on Flexible Working in response to proposed changes to the Flexible Working Provisions contained in the Employment Rights Act 1996. ACAS has now launched a consultation seeking comments on the draft updated Code of Practice. One of the main features relates to the duty on employers to consult […]
Worker Protection Bill Back on Track?
The Worker Protection Bill which sought to bring new protections against sexual harassment in the workplace, appeared to have been dropped following concerns by government back benchers about the impact on employers. There had also been concerns expressed about potential impact on free speech arising from the provisions of the Bill which would have made […]
Changes to UK Immigration Rules
Changes were made to the immigration rules with effect from 17 July 2023. The government published a statement of changes on that date. The changes mean that: From September 2023, the holders of pre-settled status under the EU settlement scheme will automatically have their leave extended by 2 years without any need to apply for […]
Trade Unions and Judicial Review Case
13 Trade Unions have won their judicial review challenge as the High Court in England has found that regulations implemented late last year, allowing employers to use temporary agency staff during strike action by their employees, are unlawful. In the case of Unison v Secretary of State for Business & Trade, the court found that […]
Get Ready For Changes To The Flexible Working Regime
The Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill 2022/2023 continues to make its way through the Parliamentary process. This is a Private Members Bill with government support and is likely to be enacted into law. Employers should therefore be ready to make these changes to their own flexible working application processes. The changes contained in the new […]
Employment Law in the news – May
Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill Update The government has recently announced an amendment to the upcoming Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill. The original Bill was set to have a ‘sunset clause’ which meant that at the end of 2023, unless legislation had been put in place to retain it, retained EU […]
Legal support offer from full-service Law Firm – Ledingham Chalmers
Scottish Engineering is delighted to announce a partnership with law firm, Ledingham Chalmers. Our partnership will give members access to a suite of benefits including a free initial telephone consultation, 15% discount on legal fees and free use of central meeting facilities. Ledingham Chalmers is a full service, independent Scottish law firm and is experienced in […]
Government Guidance for Employers on Positive Action
The Equality Act 2010 permits employers to use positive action (not positive discrimination) to help overcome barriers to employment and to increase employment of groups which are underrepresented within their workplace. The UK Government has now issued useful Guidance for employers on this topic. What is positive action? It is additional assistance for groups […]
Legal update – Increase to Tribunal Awards
The Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order 2023 has been published, which details the annual increase for awards at the employment tribunal. These changes will come into force on 6 April 2023. They include: Compensatory Award – £105,707 (was £93,878) A ‘week’s pay’ (used when calculating basic award and redundancy pay) – £643 (was £571) […]
Legal update – National Living Wage update
The Legal & HR Team would like to remind members of the increase to national minimum wage rates coming into effect on 1 April 2023. The government have accepted the Low Pay Commission’s proposed increased to the national living wage (NLW) and the national minimum wage (NMW). In particular, the 9.7% increase to the NLW […]
Legal update – Government response to Menopause and the Workplace consultation
The government has now published its response to the consultation carried out by the Women and Equalities Committee on ‘Menopause and the Workplace’. The report from the WEC made several recommendations which they believed would help alleviate the struggles faced by woman in the workplace who are experiencing menopausal symptoms. The government largely rejected the […]
Chief Exec’s report Q1 2023
Read the full Q1 2023 Quarterly Review 6 minute read Two consecutive years of order and output growth are not trivial given the times we live in, but it’s worth rewinding to the only time that metric has been exceeded in the last 23 years. From March 2003 to December 2007, the same set of […]
March Breakfast Briefing – Cycling Friendly Employer Award
Catch up with March’s Breakfast Briefing – Cycling Friendly Employer Award This breakfast briefing highlights Cycling Scotland, which is the nation’s cycling organisation. Amongst other roles, it oversees the Cycling Friendly Employer Award and Development Fund grant. Cycling Friendly Employer is a nationally recognised programme that provides an award scheme and grant funding to help […]
Legal update – Fire and Rehire
BEIS have issued a draft Statutory Code of Practice on Dismissal and Re-Engagement to cover situations where this is used as a means of achieving changes to terms and conditions. The draft Code takes account of advice received from ACAS and has been published for a public consultation which will end in April 2023. Once the […]
