Welcome to the May edition of Forrest Scene
- Sophie Forrest
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
New UK Minimum Wage rates are now in effect. From 1 April 2026, the latest increases to the UK minimum wage came into force.
A quick recap:
• National Living Wage (21+) – £12.71 (was £12.21)
• 18–20 year olds – £10.85 (was £10.00)
• 16–17 year olds – £8.00 (was £7.55)
• Apprentice rate – £8.00 (was £7.55)
By now (end of April), businesses should have:
✔ Updated their pay rates
✔ Processed at least one payroll using the new figures
If not, this needs to be addressed as soon as possible to avoid compliance risks.
Our Stage 2 training for the next wave of Employment Rights Act changes is here.
This training course focuses on the upcoming changes taking place from October 2026 and January 2027.
Designed for business owners and managers, the course breaks down key areas including fire and rehire, tribunal time limits, and changes to unfair dismissal.
Contact us for more information.
In Q4 2025 alone, employment tribunal claims increased by 54%. Awareness of rights around discrimination, harassment and whistleblowing is higher than ever — and claims are rising as a result.
With further changes to unfair dismissal laws expected from January, this trend is only set to continue as employee protections increase.
At the same time, the Employment Tribunal system is under significant pressure, with delays now stretching to up to 4 years for hearings.
This creates a challenging environment for both employers and employees. For businesses, it’s a clear reminder that how issues are handled early on has never been more important.
Early resolution isn’t just good practice — it’s a commercial necessity.
Putting the right processes, documentation and support in place can help avoid escalation, reduce risk and protect your business.
If you’d like support strengthening your approach or managing workplace issues effectively, our team is here to help.
The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) is currently running a consultation to improve reporting regulations under RIDDOR, open until 30 June. What could these proposed changes mean for employers and workplace compliance?
The aim is to update how work-related injuries, ill health and dangerous occurrences are reported to the regulator — ensuring the system remains clear, effective and fit for purpose.
For businesses, this is a timely reminder of the importance of robust risk assessments and high-quality health and safety support.
Getting the fundamentals right not only supports compliance but helps protect your people and your business.
If you’d like support reviewing your health and safety processes, our team is here to help.
In this month’s Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine, our CEO, Sophie Forrest-Lavery, discusses what businesses need to know about the upcoming RIDDOR review.
Read more in this month’s Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine.
Sophie, our CEO, had a wonderful afternoon at the St George’s Day Lunch at The Spa Hotel, all in support of The Pickering Cancer Drop-In Centre.
It was a fantastic event that helped raise much-needed funds for an important local service in Tunbridge Wells. The lunch raised just under £22,000!
Photos by Sarah Bartholomew
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