Shonali Devereaux of the Meetings Industry Association (MIA) talks about employment law changes and why compliance alone isn’t enough.
As the latest employment law changes come into effect it can be easy to see them as just another set of rules to follow. But for a sector where people are at the centre of everything we do, these changes serve as a timely reminder that supporting, protecting, and managing our teams properly aren’t just legal requirements – they’re fundamentals that inspire employee engagement, aid retention, and ultimately drive the performance of our sector.
Organisations must ensure they comply with the latest reforms, but they shouldn’t be treated as a simple box-ticking exercise.
Instead, these changes are a chance to take stock. They’re a reminder for us to continually review how employees are supported, whether policies reflect evolving needs of today’s workforce, and whether managers are equipped to protect and lead teams effectively.
While the reforms can feel daunting, particularly for small to medium-sized organisations, they offer an opportunity to build workplaces that are fairer, more transparent, and better equipped for the future.
To help the sector navigate this shift, the MIA has partnered with leading employment law and HR specialists WorkNest to develop practical guidance on understanding the latest employment law changes. From the introduction of a Fair Work Agency and day-one statutory sick pay to tighter restrictions on ‘fire and rehire’ practices and strengthened harassment prevention duties, the direction is clear – greater accountability, stronger protections, and increased expectations on how employers operate.
The full guidance can be accessed via the Knowledge Hub on our website, with an extended version including practical actions and a supporting checklist available to MIA members. By using this guidance proactively, organisations can not only ensure compliance but also take control of the process, building clarity, confidence, and stronger support for their teams for the months and years ahead.