What are an employer’s current legal obligations in preventing sexual harassment?
As the UK prepares for significant changes to sexual harassment legislation, now is the time for employers to take stock of their current legal responsibilities and ensure they are meeting the required standards. Preventing sexual harassment is not simply about having policies in place. It requires a proactive, well-embedded workplace culture, supported by clear procedures, […]
The Employment Rights Act 2025 – the coming months summarised
You will be aware that just before Christmas, the Employment Rights Bill was passed and became an act of law, known as the new Employment Rights Act 2025. We have further clarity on some of the reforms that we had been told would come into force ‘soon after the Bill’ would pass. Listed below is a […]
February Trade Union Reforms – A Guide for SME’s
As a small business owner, navigating the shifting landscape of industrial relations can feel daunting. The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces the first phase of significant reforms on 18 February 2026. These changes are designed to modernise trade union laws but also represent a shift in the balance of power that SMEs need to understand. […]
Important Employment Rights Bill update
As we prepare this month’s newsletter, the Employment Rights Bill (ERB) is approaching the final stages of becoming law and is widely expected to be enacted as the Employment Rights Act 2025. Since our previous update, there has been a notable change to the proposed ‘Day 1’ protection from unfair dismissal. Rather than a complete […]
Employment Bills progressing through Parliament
The following information provides an employment law timeline and includes details of proposed developments that businesses need to be aware of in the months ahead. Bullying and Respect at Work Bill This private members Bill if passed, would introduce a statutory definition of bullying at work. In addition, it would make a provision relating to bullying at work that includes […]
Navigating trade union reforms: A practical guide for all employers
The relationship between employers and trade unions is entering its most transformative phase since the 1980s, and, as an SME business owner, navigating the shifting landscape of industrial relations can feel daunting.
The end of fire and rehire? Navigating ‘restricted variations’
Under the Employment Rights Act 2025, the practice of “fire and rehire” (dismissal and re-engagement) will become automatically unfair in almost all circumstances.
Probation in practice: What employers must do to stay compliant and avoid costly risks
Probationary periods will become an even more critical part of the employment lifecycle. Your probation clauses may effectively serve as your first line of defence if a role does not work out.
The New Unfair Dismissal Era: What Employers Must Know
For decades, the “two-year rule” has acted as a safety net for UK employers, providing a window to assess staff without the risk of an ordinary unfair dismissal claim. From 1 January 2027, that safety net will be removed.
Autumn Statement 2025
This week’s Autumn Statement is more than a routine fiscal update; for the UK’s 5.6 million employing SMEs, it places the economic context firmly at the centre of their preparations for implementing the wide-ranging reforms within the Employment Rights Bill. This article explores the fiscal environment in which SMEs must consider implementing the forthcoming reforms, […]
Parental leave and pay review: update
In June 2025, the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) published its report, “Equality at work: Paternity and shared parental leave.” This report followed a December 2024 call for evidence and forms part of the WEC’s ‘Equality at work’ inquiry, aligning with the Labour Manifesto’s commitment to enhancing family-friendly rights. The report set out numerous recommendations to fix the “broken system” […]
Fair pay agreement process in adult social care
One of the reforms in the Employment Rights Bill is the introduction of a Fair Pay Agreement in the adult social care sector. For this to be introduced, the Government must first conduct a public consultation, where on conclusion, the responses will be analysed and used to inform policy development. On 30 September, a new […]
Trade Union Reforms Expected Soon
According to the Government’s roadmap for delivering their Plan to Make Work Pay, the Employment Rights Bill (ERB) will be implemented in at least four phases, the first one being at or soon after the Bill receives Royal Assent. This means the first round of changes could come into effect as early as the end […]
New deal for working people: Planning for change
With major employment law changes ahead in 2026, this webinar explores key steps to help businesses plan for change.
New Digital ID Scheme Announced
Recently, the Prime Minister announced the launch of a new scheme aimed at tackling illegal working in the UK. The introduction of a new digital ID system will mean it becomes compulsory to hold a digital ID to be eligible for work in the UK. As a result, this will become a recognised form of […]
Sexual Harassment – when are employers responsible beyond the workplace?
Trigger warning: this article reports on a tribunal case that relates to the conduct of sexual harassment. Dare we say it – the festive season is fast approaching? For many employers, they will be starting to plan festive social events and so this month’s case report comes at a good time to remind employers of […]
Lidl sign legal agreement with the Equality and Human Rights Commission to strengthen its sexual harassment protection in workplace
After a 2023 employment tribunal ruled that Lidl failed to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, the company signed a legal agreement with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) last month. The agreement is a direct result of the ruling and requires Lidl to implement measures to better protect its employees by committing […]
Make Work Pay: How Will the SSP Reforms Impact Absenteeism?
Expected reforms to statutory sick pay (SSP) under the Employment Rights Bill are poised to be among the most significant. This is for two main reasons: the potential for increased costs to businesses, and the fact that these changes will most heavily impact small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which make up 99% of all businesses […]
National Minimum and Living Wage Update 2025
This month, the Department for Business and Trade published a policy paper in which it sets out the areas of consideration for the Low Pay Commission (LPC), when determining recommended both National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) levels. We know that with the introduction of the Employment Rights Bill, the Government set […]
Employment Rights Bill Latest – 5 September 2025
Parliament returned after its summer recess this week, and yesterday, 4 September, the Employment Rights Bill (the ERB) completed its progress through the House of Lords and returned to the House of Commons for consideration of the amendments that the House of Lords had agreed. This is the last step in the process before the […]