The landscape of UK employment law is set for a significant transformation with the introduction of the upcoming Employment Rights Bill. This session, expertly guided by Justin Govier, Partner in the employment team at Knights Plc, will equip HR professionals, managers, and business leaders with the essential knowledge needed to navigate these changes confidently.
A central element of the Bill is the introduction of day-one rights; granting employees immediate access to key protections such as unfair dismissal, parental leave, statutory sick pay, and flexible working from their first day of employment.
Drawing on his extensive legal expertise, Justin will explore how these new entitlements are poised to reshape onboarding processes, performance management frameworks, and an organisation’s approach to legal compliance.
The session will also delve into the proposal for statutory probationary periods potentially lasting up to nine months.
Drawing on his practical experience advising boards and HR leaders on workforce planning and complex tribunal claims, Justin offers a thorough examination of how the changes will impact hiring, assessment of performance, and processes around dismissal during probation. With his guidance, you will gain a balanced perspective on managing risk while upholding best practice amid the bill’s fundamental shifts in employer responsibilities.
This is a unique opportunity to learn from Justin’s wealth of experience, the very expertise sought by leading corporates and SMEs in the region, so you can adapt your policies, contracts, and organisational culture to align seamlessly with the phased implementation starting in late 2025.
Following the main presentation, there'll be a Q&A session, offering you the opportunity to ask Justin specific questions and explore how these legislative changes might affect your organisation.
Speaker
Justin Govier – Partner, Knights Plc
Justin is a Partner in the employment team.
With extensive legal expertise and a commercial approach, Justin is trusted by some of the region’s largest corporates and SMEs for business-critical advice. He provides strategic guidance to boards, advising them prior to drafting business and workforce plans.
Justin works closely with UK and US General Counsel and HR directors, supporting UK subsidiaries with the implementation of global strategic initiatives. He often serves as the link between HR, legal, and management teams.
Justin has a strong track record in defending complex employment tribunal claims, with particular expertise in whistleblowing, discrimination, and TUPE matters, as well as disputes involving restrictive covenants and breaches of confidentiality. He is also well-regarded for his advisory work on redundancy, business reorganisations, and executive exits.
