January has a way of convincing us that we should be moving quickly, setting the pace, making big decisions, stepping straight into momentum. We are beginning the year differently having revised the P&M strategy, we are stepping into 2026….

More intentionally.

A little quieter than usual.

At a pace that honours clarity over urgency.

Every year carries its own rhythm, and this one has a natural forward motion that will gather speed soon enough. That’s exactly why I am using January to focus on structure, organisation, and the kind of grounded preparation that makes the rest of the year feel spacious rather than reactive.

Behind the scenes, I have been strengthening the frameworks that will hold the work ahead, the systems, the planning, the strategic order that lets momentum build without strain. It’s the kind of work that rarely makes headlines but always shapes outcomes and has always been one of our core skills.

If your year is beginning in a similar way, slower, more thoughtful, more deliberate than the world expects, you’re not behind, you are exactly where you need to be, creating the conditions for clarity, confidence, and sustainable pace.

At P&M, we have chosen this slower, steadier beginning on purpose. It’s a strategic pace, one that anchors our work, our decisions, and the way we want to lead in 2026. Bold leadership isn’t always loud or fast; sometimes it’s the courage to set your own rhythm.

Spotlighting the ERB 2025

The Employment Rights Act 2025 has now received Royal Assent, and while the headlines have been loud, the reality for most organisations is a phased, steady rollout across 2026 and 2027.

The Act aims to modernise workplace protections, strengthen fairness, and reduce insecure work, with changes spanning zero‑hours arrangements, sick pay, family leave, unfair dismissal, collective redundancy rules, and the creation of a new enforcement body.

Rather than overwhelm you with every clause, here’s the essence:

• Security and predictability: Guaranteed hours for zero‑hours and low‑hours workers, reasonable notice of shifts, and compensation for last‑minute cancellations.
• Fairer processes: Stronger protections around collective redundancies and a doubling of the protective award cap from April 2026.
• Expanded day‑one rights: Sick pay, paternity leave, unpaid parental leave, and new bereavement leave entitlements.
• Future changes to unfair dismissal: Qualifying period reducing to six months and removal of the compensation cap (expected January 2027)
• A new enforcement landscape: The Fair Work Agency launches April 2026, consolidating enforcement of minimum wage, holiday pay, agency rules, and labour exploitation.

This is a significant shift, but not an overnight one and that’s where your monthly P&M spotlight comes in, to guide you through the changes one step at a time.

This month, we focus on Setting the Scene.

Focus: The big picture. Let’s not try and make this more complicated. For months people have been passing comment, speculating around impact.
Our viewpoint:
We emphasise pacing, clarity, and avoiding knee‑jerk policy rewrites. January is about understanding the direction of travel, not rushing to implement changes that aren’t yet in force. Consider your own organisation, culture and what is needed for your people and use the time to educate yourself as a leader.

A quick Peony Community teaser: the planning phase is complete, and I’m now moving into creative build and early testing. It’s the part where ideas begin to become, with a little zeal and a willingness to explore the unknown. To everyone partnering with us, signing up for the focus group, or simply eager to follow along, your early energy is helping bring this to life. I’ll share more as it takes shape…..

And finally….

From the P&M bookshelf

First book of the year The Safekeep, I found this book compelling, beautifully written and one I finished in just a few sittings.

Listen – Simon Alexander Ong and Mo Gawdet I have had this one saved for a long time, I selected to listen to it on a snowy walk, if you haven’t heard the word, pronoia before, this is one for you.

Reflect – Having enjoyed a few slow starts over the festive break, every morning I plan to sit with my mug of hot water and lemon, in the peace of the moment to pause before the busyness of the day.

See you in February

Alice