As I sit here writing, it feels a little surreal that in just over a week, Christmas will be over for another year. Every year, it seems to creep up on me and this one is certainly no exception. While this is undoubtedly one of my favourite times of the year, I’m wishing luck to everyone who, like me, still has a lengthy to-do list ahead of the big day.
Festivities aside, this time of year also lends itself to a period of reflection and looking back at the events of the past 12 months.
This week, the Employment Rights Bill finally passed through the House of Lords after some time ping ponging back and forth with the House of Commons over various points. When it begins to come into effect next year, this legislation will introduce significant new rights on parental and bereavement leave, sick pay and zero-hours contracts, as well as strengthen trade union rights, to name just a few of its measures.
Meanwhile, last month Chancellor Rachel Reeve announced that national insurance contributions (NICs) relief on pensions salary sacrifice will be capped at £2,000 annually per person from 2029. While initial estimates immediately post Budget predict that approximately three-quarters of individuals who currently contribute to a pension via salary sacrifice will be unaffected, it will be interesting to see how this, ultimately, plays out.
Elsewhere, this year, we have also seen a number of conversations begin to take place around how employers can support staff through grief in the workplace. While every individual’s experience of, and journey through, grief will be different, many employers are now working to provide an approach that goes beyond a short set period of leave in order to better support employees.
This was just one of the topics that was discussed at this year’s Employee Benefits Live, when mental health campaigner Ben West presented a keynote session on the importance of building an open organisational culture, discussing how employers can provide the flexibility needed to better provide workplace grief support.
Looking ahead, planning is now well underway for 2026’s Employee Benefits Live.
The Employee Benefits Awards 2026 are also open for entries and we’re looking forward to recognising more outstanding contributions of individuals, teams and organisations.
All that remains is for me to wish you all a happy and healthy festive season from all of us at Employee Benefits. See you in 2026!
Debbie Lovewell-Tuck
Editor
@DebbieLovewell
