Castle Associates

Big changes to Statutory Sick Pay are coming on 6 April.
The new rules under the Employment Rights Act 2025 are the biggest reform of sick pay in decades and will affect millions of workers across the UK.
Key changes include:
• SSP from day one of sickness instead of the fourth day
• Removal of the £125 weekly earnings threshold, meaning more workers qualify
• SSP calculated as 80% of average earnings or the flat rate (£118.75) – whichever is lower
• Oversight by the new Fair Work Agency
Who benefits most?
Part-time workers, zero-hours staff, seasonal workers and lower-income employees who previously didn’t qualify.
What this means for employees:
• You’ll get sick pay sooner
• More people are covered
• Pay may be closer to normal earnings
• Less pressure to work while ill
For employers:
Policies, payroll systems and absence management processes will need updating before April.
Overall, the reforms aim to make sick pay fairer, more accessible and better suited to modern working patterns.


https://castleassociates.org.uk/blog/what-is-the-new-sick-pay-law

What is a Trade Union Representative?
A trade union representative (or Rep) supports employees with work-related issues on behalf of a trade union.
Reps are often the first-person workers turn to when something feels wrong at work, whether that’s unfair treatment, pay concerns, health and safety issues, or disciplinary action.
Why do Reps matter?
Because they help make workplaces fairer and safer. Reps can:
• Offer advice and listen to concerns
• Support employees in disputes or formal meetings
• Help negotiate pay, hours and working conditions
• Promote equality and safer workplaces
What can Reps do?
By law, employees have the right to be accompanied by a Rep in disciplinary or grievance hearings. Reps can also negotiate with employers, raise health and safety concerns, and help improve workplace policies.

Who can be a Rep

There’s no formal qualification, just training, commitment and a genuine desire to help others. Good Reps are good listeners, calm under pressure, fair and confident communicators.
Common myths
• Reps aren’t troublemakers, they help resolve issues
• Using a Rep won’t get you dismissed, it helps protect your rights
In short: Trade union reps are the backbone of workplace support, standing up for fairness, safety and better working conditions for all.

https://castleassociates.org.uk/blog/what-is-a-trade-union-representative

Redundancy: What You Need to Know

With growing job uncertainty across many sectors, redundancy is a reality more workers may face this year. While it’s incredibly stressful for employees, employers must also get the process right to avoid unfair dismissal claims.

A fair redundancy process should follow five key stages:

1. A genuine business reason for redundancy
2. A clear and transparent plan
3. Meaningful consultation with employees
4. Fair selection and consideration of alternatives
5. A clear outcome, confirmed in writing

When redundancy is handled fairly and openly, it can reduce stress, confusion and conflict for everyone involved.

The essential guide to the five stages of redundancy We wish we could start the New Year with a happier topic - but many workers, in many different sectors, will face the threat and real fear of redundancy in the ...

Is it worth raising a grievance at work? 🤔

Workplace complaints happen, but when issues become serious, a formal grievance can matter.

🔹 A grievance is worth raising when an issue is serious, ongoing or damaging to your wellbeing, dignity or ability to do your job
🔹 Always try to resolve problems informally first, if possible
🔹 Employers must listen, investigate and protect you from retaliation
🔹 A grievance creates a formal record, promotes accountability and can lead to real change
🔹 It should be a last resort, but can be vital when no other option works

⚖️ While the process can be stressful and outcomes aren’t guaranteed, raising a grievance remains one of the strongest ways to protect your workplace rights.

👉 If something at work is affecting you and can’t be resolved any other way, it may be worth it.

Read our latest Blog: https://castleassociates.org.uk/blog/is-it-worth-raising-a-grievance-at-work

If you need advice or support, please call us on 0800 772 0341

🚨 What can you be disciplined for at work?

From misunderstandings to serious allegations, finding yourself facing disciplinary action can be shocking and stressful. Our latest blog breaks down what employers can discipline you for, what the process should look like, and how to protect yourself at work.

✨ Know your rights
✨ Understand common pitfalls

Stay informed. Stay confident. 💬
Read the full blog now!

What can I be disciplined for at work? Sometimes you know when you have done something wrong. Other times, it can come as a complete shock to be told you have - and it is an uncomfortable position t...