Acas, have published a new report identifying key trends that will have an impact on workplace relations in 2016 along with advice that can help deal with these key issues in the year ahead. The five trends are: 

1.     Workplace bullying: Acas recently produced a study which revealed that workplace bullying is growing in Britain.

2.     Productivity: UK labour productivity is a long way behind major international competitors and needs to improve.

3.     National Living Wage (NLW): Businesses need to prepare for the introduction of the new NLW in April.

4.     Zero-hours contracts (ZHC): ONS figures show a 19% increase in use compared to 2014, meaning that ZHC’s will be a significant feature of the workplace for some years to come.

5.     Trade Union Bill: The new Trade Union Bill is currently being considered by parliament and will definitely have an impact on workplace relations if enacted this year. 

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