Syllabus: SQA - Higher Course Spec Business Management
Module: Management of People
Lesson: Legislation

Introduction

The “Management of People – Legislation” unit in the SQA Higher Business Management course equips learners with a practical understanding of how employment law shapes workplace decisions. Aligned directly with the SQA’s course aims, it encourages students to think critically about how businesses operate within legal boundaries, particularly in relation to recruitment, employee relations, and workplace conduct.

For teachers, this part of the course is an opportunity to blend curriculum delivery with relatable, real-life business scenarios—ensuring learners leave with knowledge that’s both exam-ready and life-ready.

Key Concepts

This section of the Higher course focuses on legal influences within people management. Students are expected to understand:

• Employment legislation and how it impacts recruitment, selection, training, and dismissal.

• The Equality Act 2010 and how it protects against discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, or disability.

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the responsibilities it places on both employers and employees.

• The impact of legislation on business operations, including costs, employee morale, and reputation.

• Consequences of non-compliance, such as legal action, financial penalties, or damage to brand image.

The syllabus promotes applied understanding. Rather than rote memorisation, learners should be able to explain how and why legislation affects business choices and outcomes.

Real-World Relevance

Employment law isn’t just theory. It’s front and centre in the workplace. Consider these real-world tie-ins:

• Greggs has been recognised for inclusive hiring practices, actively aligning recruitment with the Equality Act. This not only improves diversity but also boosts brand image.

• Amazon has faced scrutiny over working conditions in warehouses, prompting public discussion around health and safety legislation.

• P&O Ferries’ dismissal of hundreds of staff without proper process is a live example of what happens when businesses fail to comply with employment laws, leading to widespread reputational damage and government intervention.

These stories give students a concrete understanding of how legislation can shape and shake businesses.

How It’s Assessed

Assessment for this unit typically appears in the SQA Higher Business Management exam through:

• Extended-response questions asking students to explain or evaluate the impact of legislation.

• Scenario-based questions, where students must apply legal principles to a given business context.

• Command words include:

  • Describe: State key features

  • Explain: Show understanding by giving reasons

  • Analyse: Break down impact or consequences

  • Evaluate: Make a judgement, supported with reasoning

For example: “Describe one piece of legislation that impacts employee recruitment and explain how it influences business decisions.”

Students who can confidently link legislation to business outcomes, showing cause and effect, are more likely to score well.

Enterprise Skills Integration

Understanding legislation builds more than just exam skills. It also strengthens:

• Decision-making: Knowing legal boundaries helps students consider options with greater clarity.

• Risk awareness: Recognising consequences of non-compliance builds strategic thinking.

• Problem-solving: Applying laws to different business scenarios develops real-life reasoning skills.

If you’re using enterprise simulations or case studies in your classroom, this topic is an ideal plug-in—students can make staffing decisions and face the legal outcomes of their choices, creating high-impact, experiential learning.

Careers Links

This unit supports Gatsby Benchmarks 4, 5 and 6 by connecting curriculum content to career insights:

• HR Manager: Understanding of employment law is foundational.

• Operations Manager: Must manage compliance while delivering performance.

• Legal Assistant: Interprets employment law for organisations.

• Union Rep: Advocates for employees’ rights in line with legal protections.

Highlighting these links helps students see this isn’t “just business studies”—it’s preparation for leadership, advocacy, and responsibility in any workplace.

Teaching Notes

• Tip: Use current events as entry points. Ask students, “What law is relevant here?” or “What should this company have done differently?”

• Common Pitfall: Students often memorise legislation but struggle to apply it. Use “What if?” scenarios to test application.

• Stretch Task: Ask learners to rewrite a flawed job advert that breaches Equality Act guidelines. Discuss how language shapes compliance.

• Resource idea: Role-play interviews, disciplinary meetings, or health & safety inspections. Then debrief using legislation checklists.

Plug-and-play activities like these save planning time and drive home key messages through doing, not just listening.