From employment practices to fire and public safety, here are five recent developments that may be worth having on your radar.
Fit notes: a different approach to managing absence?
For employers in England
The Government is testing changes to the fit note system in England, with greater emphasis on helping people stay in or return to work rather than simply recording that they are unfit for work. Pilots are exploring more personalised return-to-work plans and greater involvement from employers and other health professionals.
What to consider
It is a useful prompt to review how your business manages sickness absence, workplace adjustments and return-to-work conversations.
Source: GOV.UK – fit note reform.
Proposed changes to disciplinary and grievance guidance
For employers in Great Britain
Acas is updating its Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures, with the new draft putting greater emphasis on resolving concerns early and informally where appropriate. It also expands guidance around reasonable adjustments, suspension, mediation and facilitated conversations. The consultation closed on 23 September 2026, and Acas is reviewing responses. An updated Code is expected to come into effect in 2027, subject to approval and the Parliamentary process.
What to consider
Continue to follow the current Code. HR policies and manager guidance may need reviewing once the final updated Code is published.
Sources: Acas – Code consultation; Acas – proposed changes and next steps.
Can construction work be carried out without a flame?
For construction, maintenance and property teams
New industry guidance is encouraging businesses to consider flame-free alternatives to traditional hot work wherever possible. Produced through CONIAC’s Fire Safety Working Group and supported by HSE, it looks at ways of reducing the fire risks created by activities such as cutting, welding and soldering.
What to consider
Where hot work is planned, could a lower-risk method achieve the same result?
Source: CONIAC – Flame-Free Solutions Guide.
A renewed focus on water safety
For organisations responsible for open water or public spaces
A new UK Drowning Prevention Strategy has been launched, bringing together more than 130 organisations to improve water safety and reduce preventable deaths. In 2025, 202 accidental drowning deaths were recorded, with 57% occurring at inland locations including rivers, lakes, reservoirs and canals.
What to consider
Organisations responsible for accessible water should consider whether their risk assessments, signage, rescue arrangements and water-safety plans remain appropriate.
Sources: RoSPA – UK Drowning Prevention Strategy; RoSPA – 2025 drowning figures.
Stronger controls proposed for sunbed use
For leisure, fitness, hospitality and beauty businesses providing sunbeds in England
Under-18s are already prohibited from using commercial sunbeds in England, but the Government has consulted on stronger age-verification requirements following concerns that unattended and contactless systems can allow young people to bypass existing restrictions. Proposals include requiring staff to be present and checking identification before use. The consultation closed on 14 August 2026.
What to consider
Businesses providing sunbeds should monitor the consultation outcome and any resulting regulations, and make sure existing age-checking arrangements are robust.
Source: GOV.UK – consultation on commercial sunbed regulation in England.
