Tower Hamlets' HR department is grappling with slow case closure rates while preparing for upcoming employment legislation, according to a recent Human Resources Committee meeting.
Pauline Shakespeare, Head of HR, presented the employee relations dashboard for the first quarter of 2025, revealing that while 100 cases were opened and closed between April and June, the pace of closure remains a concern. Of these cases, 41 were grievances, with the Communities directorate reporting the highest number at 46, including 20 grievances and 15 disciplinary actions.
Ms. Shakespeare acknowledged that cases are still taking too long to close,
although there has been a marginal decrease in cases open for over 180 days. As of the report, 85 cases remain open, 56 of which are grievances. While the meeting information indicates that cases are taking too long to close, specific reasons for the delays were not provided.
The HR department is also preparing for significant changes to worker employment rights stemming from forthcoming legislation. These potential changes include:
- Unfair dismissal rights from day one of employment.
- A six-month period to lodge an employment tribunal claim.
- Trade union reforms on recognition and balloting.
- A duty to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment.
- Protections for those on zero hours contracts.
- Improved flexible working access.
- Restrictions on 'fire and rehire' practices.
- Enhanced paternity leave and dismissal protection for pregnant women and new mothers.
Ms. Shakespeare emphasised the need for proactive training to equip managers to handle these changes, particularly regarding sexual harassment prevention. The council currently offers sexual harassment training and plans to introduce further initiatives.
The committee acknowledged the need for more detailed information on costs and timelines in future reports, following a comment from Councillor Abdi Mohamed.
