Author: wpadmin

HSE inspections will focus as much on health as on safety.

UK employers have been under the watchful eye of the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) since 1974.  Inspections have historically scrutinized company policies and procedures for physical hazards, employee safety, regulatory compliance and workplace conditions.

But the new 10-year HSE strategy to reduce workplace ill health will prioritise mental wellbeing, as well as physical safety.

It will focus on six key areas: manual handling; display screen equipment, COSHH, noise, mental health and stress.

Those employers that don’t focus on addressing stress, anxiety and depression in the workplace as much as musculoskeletal or slips and trips hazards could find themselves facing substantial fines and even potential shutdowns.

Sickening statistics

According to the latest HSE data published in November, 1.9 million workers were suffering work-related ill-health in 2024/25. This reflects a concerning 200,000 year-on-year increase.

Work-related stress, anxiety and depression now account for more than half of all lost working days in the UK (22.1 million working days). With nearly a million workers (964,000) affected last year, the UK is facing a serious mental health crisis.

This trajectory has led to an increase in health-related prosecutions by the HSE. Last year, 246 criminal prosecutions were completed with total fines of £33m, half of which were related to workplace health.

Health risk management

All our liability products include a health and safety review which helps to mitigate the unique risks of each business – and protect their most valuable asset – their people.

SafeCheck only takes around an hour to find out what is being done well – and where there is room for improvement to achieve HSE compliance.

Now that the HSE will be proactively prioritising workplace health as part of routine inspections, isn’t it time you reviewed your health risk management policies and procedures?

When it comes to protecting people, prevention is always better than cure.

Stats source: Prepare for more workplace health inspections, employers told

The season of goodwill can be a lively and lucrative time for the hospitality sector.

Christmas parties, Mad Friday and friends and family get-togethers can be a lifeline for many hotels, restaurants and bars. In fact, takings in December can be equal to three months of trading.

But faced with rising running costs, the cost-of-living crisis forcing many to stay indoors and staff shortages, making Christmas merry and bright is a challenge for the 173,515 hospitality businesses in the UK. [1]

99.6% of hospitality businesses are classed as SMEs which makes the pressure to serve up delicious food and wine, pour perfect pints and create cocktails that make Insta-worthy memories even more Christmas-critical!

Festive cheers and fears

The hospitality sector has a moral and legal obligation to prioritise customer and employee safety and wellbeing. While there are health and safety risks all year round, some become more prominent during the busy festive season.

But 35% of hospitality workers regularly break health and safety rules. [2]The main reason cited was to cut corners to speed up work and just over a quarter said it was because they had been unaware the rule existed.

HSE workplace accident data has highlighted a concerning rise in injuries in the hospitality sector. The report highlights over 4,000 cases of workplace injury in 2023/24 – a rise of more than 13% in two years. [3]

All businesses want to see increased footfall at Christmas, but this cannot compromise customer and staff safety.

Here’s how the hospitality sector can manage and mitigate their liabilities through Christmas – into a prosperous and Happy New Year 2026.

Sparkle and shine

Of course, Christmas is a time to sparkle and dazzle with lights, candles and decorations but businesses should ensure that cables and connections are fit for purpose and comply with British Standard regulations. Make sure Christmas trees are secure and aren’t blocking fire escapes or access to fire extinguishers.

Read more detailed HSE guidance about festive fire safety when decking the halls of hotels, bars and restaurants.

Keep customers in good spirits

Dealing with the general public goes hand-in-hand with a career in the hospitality sector. But too much Christmas spirit can often dampen the ‘cheer’ of some members of the public. Staff should be given training about how to handle physical and verbal abuse that often accompanies drunk, disorderly behaviour. If a venue becomes over busy, people could find it difficult to evacuate in the event of a fire so ensure that measures are in place to avoid overcrowding and never go over capacity limits.

Keep staff safe

From slips, trips, knife injuries, burns, dermatitis and musculoskeletal problems to dealing with the general public, working in hospitality can be a risky business. Christmas can be more chaotic than ever with extra footfall, deliveries and temporary staff so it’s imperative that they are fully trained in health and safety procedures and policies – just like full time, permanent staff.

More Christmas deliveries mean more manoeuvring and lifting heavy boxes of food and drink so make sure manual handling legislation is followed.

A less obvious risk is when someone is struggling with their mental health. Additional workload, zero hours contracts and longer hours are synonymous with the hospitality sector at Christmas, but it can take its toll.

Be mindful that Christmas can be a lonely or difficult time for some resulting in work-related stress, depression or anxiety. Employees have a duty of care to take care of employee mental wellbeing as well as protecting their physical safety.

Spread comfort, safety and joy this Christmas!

Public or employee liability claims are always a concern for the hospitality sector. From an employee claiming unfair dismissal or harassment to a kitchen injury or customers slipping on spilt drinks, claims are a fact of life for hoteliers, restauranteurs, and pub landlords.

But having H&S procedures in place – and employee and public liability insurance, hospitality owners have one less thing to worry about.

Staff aren’t just for Christmas so take care of them and they will be loyal and keep your diners and drinkers happy throughout the year!

Hospitality HSE compliance

Some things are meant to be together – like mulled wine and mince pies, turkey and cranberry, liability insurance and H&S reviews.

That’s why Irwell’s liability insurance includes SafeCheck, a health and safety assessment tailored to the unique risks of each business. We believe you shouldn’t have one without the other.

Read our guide to keeping food and drink businesses better protected.

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[1] Hospitality: statistics and policy – House of Commons Library

[2] Third of hospitality workers regularly break health and safety rules –

[3] HSE data reveals ‘concerning rise’ in hospitality injuries

Does greater stability for tenants mean greater risks for landlords?

Now the Bill has received Royal Assent, the priority is clear: to deliver greater security and stability for tenants.

The new legislation encourages long-term tenancies – something most landlords support. But stability must work both ways. However, for many landlords – the changes will inevitably alter the balance of risk.

Landlords will need to rely on robust tenancy management, clear evidence trails and lawful grounds for possession in the event of a dispute more than ever before.

Overview of 10 changes landlord clients need to know

1. All tenancies to become periodic

Assured Shorthold Tenancies (ASTs) will automatically convert into assured periodic tenancies (rolling contracts). That means tenancies will continue indefinitely until ended by a valid notice – either from the tenant or from the landlord for specific legal reasons.

2. New Tenancy Terms

Landlords will need to provide tenants with a written statement of tenancy terms at the start of every new tenancy. Existing tenants won’t need new agreements, but they must be given a Government-issued summary of the changes within one month of the legislation coming into force.

Landlords can take the deposit in advance of a tenancy agreement but cannot insist on advance rent beyond the first month.

3. Higher property standards

All rented homes must now meet the Decent Homes Standard meaning they must be safe, well-maintained and free from harmful hazards.

Compliance with Awaab’s Law, requires landlords to act promptly on issues like damp and mould which must be inspected within 10 working days, and made safe within five, after the inspection. Gas leaks, broken boilers – or if damp or mould are affecting a tenant’s health will need to be looked at within 24 hours. If landlords can’t meet those deadlines, they must offer alternative suitable accommodation.

4. Section 21 “no-fault” evictions abolished

Landlords will only be able to regain possession using Section 8 grounds which includes selling the property or moving in themselves – but these cannot be used within the first 12 months of a tenancy. Tenants can leave at any time with two months’ notice.

5. Rent Increases only permitted once per year

Rent increases must be issued with at least two months’ notice via a Section 13 notice and tenants can challenge increases through the First Tier Tribunal.

6. An end to rent bidding wars

Landlords and agents must now advertise a set, clear asking rent. Prospective tenants cannot be encouraged to offer above that amount and offers over the advertised rent cannot be accepted.

7. Anti-discrimination measures

Landlords will no longer be allowed to refuse tenants simply because they have children or are receiving benefits. However, they can still conduct affordability checks and refuse applications based on income viability or property suitability.

8. Greater rights to keep pets

Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse a tenant’s request to keep a pet – and they must respond to requests within 28 days. Only superior landlords (such as a freeholder or building owner) can prohibit pets or if it can be proved that the request is unreasonable.

9. Mandatory landlord registrations

Every landlord will need to register on the new Private Rented Sector Database and join the Landlord Ombudsman who will handle complaints and disputes.

10. Tougher local authority enforcement

Local councils will have extended powers to enforce the new law and can issue fines which start at £7,000 for a first offence, rising to £40,000 for repeat breaches.

Tenants may also apply for Rent Repayment Orders of up to 24 months’ rent for serious offences.

Mitigating risks for private landlords

As the legislative and financial implications of being a landlord become more acute, broader market pressures are also reshaping the rental landscape. Rising mortgage rates and maintenance expenses mean margins have tightened. A prolonged period of missed rent, even just a few months, can place significant strain on rental viability.

That’s why rent guarantee protection has never been more important. It provides a critical safety net, ensuring landlords can continue meeting their financial commitments even if rent stops being paid.

Beyond covering the income gap, our legal expenses insurance will become increasingly valuable as updated possession processes come into play.

On International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, Irwell Insurance is delighted to announce our 12-month commitment to supporting Mustard Tree – to give back to our local Manchester community.

Manchester has one of the highest rates of homelessness, with 1 in 74 people experiencing homelessness and rates rising by 34% per year in Manchester alone.

Mustard Tree aims to tackle the root causes of homelessness, specifically unemployment, addiction and long-term sickness and offers support for people from all walks of life across their three sites including the main community hub based in Ancoats.

Mustard Tree gives a hand up, not just a handout.

Through their ‘Freedom Project’ they provide training courses and classes to give people life skills and work experience to help them escape poverty. Their hubs provide a welcoming and safe environment, with an emphasis on creating positivity and ambition.

Featuring a community shop, a kitchen and coffee shop offering dishes made by trainees and food donated by local independent stores, Mustard Tree offers a thriving environment for those looking to gain and develop vital life and employment skills.

Everyone is welcome to drop by and sample the delicious breakfast and lunch menu or browse the shop for clothes and furniture. Supporting these services makes the world of difference – not only raising vital funds but also building confidence and employment skills to last a lifetime – from baristas and PAC testers to sales assistants and chefs.

Irwell Insurance is committed to a 12-month partnership by actively taking part in staff volunteer days as well as fundraising activities including the Manchester Marathon, Tough Mudder and even abseiling!

“We are delighted to be supporting this wonderful, deserving and much-needed charity. The response from our staff to get involved in volunteering and fundraising has been inspiring.

We are looking forward to supporting Mustard Tree make a difference to people living in poverty in Manchester – everyone deserves to have the dignity and security of a home and employment.”

Giles Reading, Chief Executive Officer

“Delighted is an understatement that Irwell has committed to supporting Mustard Tree! Over the next 12 months, their financial donations and hands-on, practical support will help change people’s lives.”

Rachel Crank, Fundraising Officer

To find out more information about Mustard Tree and how they are helping to prevent poverty, visit their website  www.mustardtree.org.uk

If you wish to donate to Mustard Tree please do so via this link- https://www.justgiving.com/page/irwell?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Mustard Tree services at a glance

• Provide training courses to build life skills
• Freedom project – gaining work experience to help them find permanent employment
• Welcome people from all walks of life – those starting off their journey with Mustard Tree (in urgent need) to those who have escaped poverty but need a little extra support (furniture for their new home for example)
• Classes and clubs – writing a CV, English lessons and art workshops
• 40% of items are given for free and vouchers can be used in the food bank