People Matters HR are proud to take part in Good Employment Week 2025, running from 24th to 28th November. The Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter organised the event to educate Manchester businesses on what good employment truly is. It’s a great way to support the city’s growth whilst uplifting businesses of all sizes and across industries. The charter is home to the gold standard in people management, and is supported by Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester.
During Good Employment Week, several events will be held to help participants create a more positive, inclusive and healthy workplace.
The bill aims to keep more people in work by supporting productivity and improving the quality of life. Many hurdles in employment have harmed mental health and living standards. By rolling out legislation from 2025 to 2027, employers will have time to adapt gradually, rather than facing a sudden shift. With some changes taking effect immediately, workers can expect to see real improvements.
Our involvement
People Matters HR are also proud to be involved in Good Employment Week, speaking at two events. We will be joined by our friends at Bury Means Business, Bury Council, and Manchester Metropolitan University. As one of the 150 charter members in Greater Manchester, we can’t wait to connect with the city’s businesses and help guide them towards a positive future.
PMHR will also be sharing some exciting news that week, which seeks to further support our clients and charter members in managing and developing their teams.
We’re also hoping to invite our clients to join us, and hopefully become members of the charter. This way, we can better collaborate in improving workplace culture. We naturally work with clients who understand the importance of meeting high standards and expectations. These discussions are the perfect way to engage in personal and business-wide development, meaning you can be assessed and rewarded for being a good employer.
Day-one right to unfair dismissal claims
At these events, you will hear directly from the charter’s members, who will provide key insights into a number of topics. These can range from empowering your employees to inclusive leadership. New legislation and certifications, such as the Employee Rights Bill and the Family Friendly Workplace Certification, may have left businesses out of the loop on how to maintain a healthy workplace.
Good Employment Week aims to fix this issue. It’s a way to help them to prepare for the changes coming in over the next few years. All whilst positioning them as innovative, forward-thinking businesses.
What can you expect?
From April 2026, statutory sick pay will commence on the first day of absence, rather than the fourth. It will also apply to all workers, not just those earning above £123 a week. Sick pay will be either 80% of average weekly pay or the SSP flat rate, whichever is lower.
This helps vulnerable workers below the threshold receive pay while protecting their health. Previously, many people worked while ill, risking the health of others. Financial protection means that low earners won’t lose three days’ wages.
Employers also benefit from healthier staff. While costs and absences may rise, it reduces long-term health issues and boosts productivity.
Events
CEO of People Matters HR, Niel Cope will be talking at the following events. Anyone who knows Niel can vouch that he knows his stuff, so we’re sure attendees will learn a lot from his involvement. If you’re interested, sign up for one of the following:
- Bury Means Business & Bury Council: Empowering Employers
25/11/2025, 8:30am – 11am
Fusiliers Museum, Bury
- Best of North West Business Fair
27/11/2025, 3pm – 6pm
Village Hotel, Bury
While we won’t be presenting at the other events, make sure to attend if a specific topic catches your attention:
- Good Employment Week Launch Event
- The Greater Manchester Good Employment Best Practice Conference
- Making Work Better: Creating Compliant, Connected and Caring Workplaces
- Inclusive Workplace Practices – A Lunch and Learn Webinar
- Pro Manchester: The Power of Inclusive Leadership
- Manchester Metropolitan University & GM4WOMEN: How to make the Good Employment Charter work for women across GM
- Working Families: Family Friendly Workplaces Education Webinar Session
We recommend taking time to explore all the available opportunities and encourage you to join us in making the work environment a more positive and fulfilling place. If you’re one of our clients and are interested in attending, don’t be afraid to reach out to us first. We’re happy to answer any questions or provide any information you need. We’d love to get you on board