Why your business’s people policies matter

By Alison Paton, Founder & Director, Align People HR

April often brings updates to employment , and this year is no different. From changes to statutory pay, to new family leave entitlements, and now growing momentum around predictable working hours, the world of work is continuing to evolve, and businesses need to keep pace.

One of the more meaningful changes coming in 2025 is the introduction of neonatal care leave and pay. This gives eligible parents time off if their newborn needs specialist hospital care, reflecting the growing focus on family-friendly support in the workplace. It’s a positive step, but like many changes in employment law, it comes with practical considerations for employers.

We’re also seeing greater clarity emerge around how core legislation is interpreted. The recent UK Supreme Court ruling confirmed that the definition of ‘woman’ in the Equality Act refers to biological sex. For employers, it highlights just how important it is to stay informed and ensure your equality and inclusion policies are robust, up to date, and legally sound.

This kind of legal development reinforces why we do what we do at Align People HR, helping clients make practical sense of evolving employment law, and supporting them to take a proactive, balanced approach.

Meanwhile, changes around predictable working patterns are also on the way, giving workers on casual or zero-hours contracts more stability. This may have real implications for businesses in sectors that rely on flexible staffing models , and will likely require some forward planning.

At Align People HR, we support businesses across the North-East and beyond to stay ahead of changes, not just react to them. When your people policies are clear, thoughtful and up to date, you’re not only meeting your legal obligations, you’re creating a fairer, more confident workplace.

Whether you employ a team of 5 or 50, it’s worth asking: are we ready for what’s coming next and how can we prepare? If you’re unsure, we’re here to help.