October Employment Law Changes: Access Free HR Advice Through NorCA

Changes to employment legislation can have important implications for adult social care providers, particularly when managing staff, handling workplace complaints and maintaining appropriate policies and procedures.

Citation, a NorCA partner, has highlighted several Employment Rights Act developments for October 2026 and is encouraging employers to review their current practices and seek guidance where needed.

What changes should employers be aware of?

According to Citation, the key developments include:

• Harassment prevention: Changes to employers’ responsibilities for preventing sexual harassment, including the steps taken to protect employees from harassment by third parties such as visitors, clients and suppliers.
• Employment Tribunal time limits: Changes to the time available for employees to bring certain Employment Tribunal claims, reinforcing the importance of maintaining clear records and following appropriate procedures.
• Trade union rights: Developments relating to workplace access for trade unions and protections for workers participating in industrial action.

These areas may be particularly relevant to care providers managing large or varied workforces, supporting staff in public-facing roles and responding to workplace concerns.

What should care providers consider?

Citation recommends reviewing existing employment policies, staff training and complaint-handling procedures.

Providers may wish to consider whether their current arrangements adequately address workplace harassment, whether managers understand their responsibilities and how employment-related concerns are documented and managed.

Access free HR advice through NorCA

NorCA members can access Citation’s free HR and Health & Safety advice line for practical, confidential guidance on workplace matters.

Citation’s advisers can help with questions including:

• What steps should employers take to prevent workplace harassment?
• Do existing policies and staff training need updating?
• How should complaints involving visitors or other third parties be handled?
• What records should employers maintain when managing workplace disputes?
• What responsibilities apply when trade unions request workplace access?

Call Citation on 0161 504 0843

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm

Remember to quote “NorCA” when calling.

Whether you have a specific employment law question or would like guidance on reviewing your existing procedures, the advice line is available to help you understand your responsibilities and identify appropriate next steps.