Welcome to the April edition of Forrest Scene
- Sophie Forrest
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
Stress Awareness Month
April is Stress Awareness Month. One in four workers report feeling unable to cope with workplace stress. This year’s theme, #BeTheChange, encourages you to reduce stress in your own life and positively influence those around you. Taking small steps—like prioritising self-care, talking openly about stress, or lending support to a colleague—can make a real difference. Together, we can create a healthier, more supportive work environment for everyone.
Are You Ready for the Changes?
The changes under the Employment Rights Act are now starting to come into effect, and we understand that keeping up with them can feel overwhelming.
Our Employment Rights Act – Stage 1 training is designed to support you, providing a clear and practical understanding of the changes and what they mean for your organisation. Click the button below to find out more.
This course is designed for managers and key staff responsible for handling employee queries and workplace issues.
The workshop combines theory with interactive activities to provide a practical understanding of the upcoming Employment Rights Act changes.
By attending, you will be able to:
Manage paternity leave and pay
Manage parental leave and pay
Understand the updated Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) criteria and eligibility
Understand the latest legal developments around sexual harassment and whistleblowing disclosures
Click here to view the full course overview.
The Fair Work Agency (FWA)
The Fair Work Agency (FWA), a new UK enforcement agency, launched this month, aims to strengthen enforcement of employment rights and promote fair workplace treatment. It will serve as a single contact point for workers with concerns.
The FWA consolidates the responsibilities of several existing bodies, including HMRC’s National Minimum Wage team, the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), and the Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate.
The agency will have significant enforcement powers. It may issue penalties up to 200% of any underpaid amounts, capped at £20,000 per affected employee, and recover investigation costs.
The agency will be specifically monitoring:
Compliance with minimum wage
Holiday pay
Sick pay
Employment records
Employers should ensure ongoing compliance with employment law and maintain accurate, up-to-date processes and records.
World Day for Safety and Health at Work
On 28 April, it’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work — an important reminder of the need to create safe, healthy working environments and to take practical steps to prevent workplace accidents and injuries.
A strong health and safety culture is about more than simply meeting legal obligations. It plays a key role in protecting people, supporting wellbeing and helping businesses operate effectively and responsibly.
At Forrest Group, we provide the support, advice and practical assistance businesses need to stay compliant, reduce workplace risk and manage health and safety with confidence.
Our experienced consultants offer expert guidance, training and ongoing support, helping clients deal with health and safety matters effectively so they can focus on running their business.
All of our Health and Safety consultants hold recognised professional qualifications, have extensive industry experience and are members of both the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health and the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management.
This month’s Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine is out on Friday 17 April and we’re delighted to be the main feature this month. Our CEO and Founder, Sophie Forrest-Lavery tells readers about finding a renewed sense of leadership for Forrest Group.
We were delighted to be involved in the recent Taylor-Made Dreams fundraising event at Billericay Football Stadium for one of TMD’s little warriors on Sunday 12th April. The event saw a huge fundraise of approximately £15,000! A massive thank you to celebrity influencers Reid Card and Ronnie Gall.
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