Understanding Workplace Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: Key Legal Concepts and Strategies
As we explore the key legal aspects of workplace equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), it’s essential to consider practical strategies to reduce the risk of employment tribunal claims and promote a fair, inclusive working environment. The Equality Act 2010: A Legal Framework for Workplace Equality The Equality Act 2010 (the Act) was introduced to bring […]
Department for Business and Trade Call for Evidence: Labour Market Enforcement Strategy
Earlier this year, the Department for Business and Trade launched a call for evidence in respect of the labour market enforcement strategy, and last month published their report: United Kingdom Labour Market Enforcement Strategy 2025 to 2026. This publication was presented to Parliament in July 2025 and is potentially the final strategy before the establishment […]
Parental leave and pay review: call for evidence
Earlier this month, the Government announced a formal review into parental leave and pay to understand how it could better support working families. They are calling for evidence to help consider the UK’s current system for leave and pay, which includes: Maternity leave and pay Paternity leave and pay Adoption leave and pay Shared parental […]
Timetable for public consultations announced
Timetable for public consultations announced Many of the reforms set out in the Employment Rights Bill will require either further legislation or the development of new/existing Codes of Practice. As such, a key stage in the implementation process is to consult on the detail of policy and implementation for the changes proposed. In the Government’s […]
Employment Rights Bill update!
With Parliament now finished for the summer, it is likely to be September/October that the Employment Rights Bill is given Royal Assent. We already have a commitment from the Government as to what will be introduced and when, as described in their roadmap for delivering change (read our full article for further information and find […]
What classifies an individual as a worker vs self-employed?
Overview The primary matter considered in this employment tribunal case was whether Bolt drivers were classed as self-employed or workers. The Employment Rights Act 1996, section 230(3) defines a worker as: “an individual who has entered into or works under a contract or any other contract whether express or implied and whether oral or in […]
‘Simpler Recycling’ in the Workplace in England
In England, as part of the ‘Simpler Recycling’ initiative which stems from the Environment Act 2021, all businesses and non-domestic premises — effective from 2025 — are required to separate their waste into four waste streams: food waste paper and card mixed recyclables (plastic, metal, glass) non-recyclables Deadlines for Compliance Micro-firms with fewer than 10 […]
Organisations fined more than £4m for unfair working practices when setting freelancer pay
In 2013, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which is a non-ministerial department, was established with the purpose of promoting competitive markets and tackling unfair behaviour. As an authority, it also plays a significant role in helping to determine if a proposed merger or acquisition could limit consumer choice. Freelancer Pay Investigation by the CMA […]
Employment Status & Rights: HMRC Research for Employers
HM Revenue and Customs commissioned the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) to carry out independent research on employment statuses from the perspective of employment rights. They surveyed 8,767 UK adults, aged 18 to 64, in May and June 2023 through online and telephone surveys and fieldwork. What Is Employment Status? In this context, a […]
How is AI impacting the UK labour market?
With AI becoming more prevalent in employment, we are starting to see the evidence of its impact on employment both in terms of people practices, but also on the UK labour market. Entry-Level Job Decline Since the Launch of ChatGPT In a recent study by recruitment firm Adzuna, their research found that the number of […]
Menopause in the workplace – Big changes coming for large employers
Earlier this month, the Government announced that from 2027, menopause action plans will be mandatory for organisations employing 250+ employees. Back in 2021, the Women and Equalities Committee looked at the extent to which discrimination connected to the menopause occurs in the workplace, and how government policy and workplace practices could be improved to support […]
Outdoor Workers and Sun Exposure
As we head into the summer months, rising temperatures and increased sun exposure can pose health risks to those working outdoors. Typical professions at risk include construction, agriculture, gardening, facilities teams, and outdoor service workers. Short-term exposure to heat and sun can lead to: Sunburn Dehydration Fatigue Heat exhaustion Heat stress The most serious effect […]
New Guidance for Agency Workers
HMRC Issues New Guidance on Tax Avoidance for Agency Workers and Contractors As part of HMRC’s ongoing efforts to tackle tax avoidance, it has released updated guidance specifically aimed at agency workers and contractors. This new information is designed to help individuals identify whether they may have been involved in a tax avoidance scheme—particularly when […]
Reforming zero-hour contracts – what do employers think of the forthcoming changes?
In our recent webinar, we explored the UK Government’s proposed reforms aimed at banning ‘exploitative zero-hour contracts’. We examined the potential impact these employment law changes could have on an employer’s ability to recruit and retain staff, while also considering how businesses can remain agile and flexible within the new legal framework. Using our regular […]
When managing redundancies – must an employer consider alternative employment?
Overview In the case of Hendy Group Ltd v Mr Daniel Kennedy, the Employment Tribunal was asked to decide whether the employer had properly fulfilled its legal obligation to explore alternative employment during a redundancy process. The Tribunal ultimately found that Mr Kennedy had been unfairly dismissed, as his employer had failed to make reasonable […]
New deal for working people: Protecting the business from tribunal claims
In this webinar we explore types of dismissal and how the new day 1 right may impact tribunal claims under the Employment Rights Bill.
What are the primary areas of discrimination
In this webinar we will delve into the four primary areas of discrimination: direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment, and victimisation.
What is the meaning of ‘sex’ under the Equality Act 2010?
The Supreme Court has delivered its ruling today in the highly technical case of ‘For Women Scotland Ltd (appellant) v The Scottish Ministers (Respondent)’, in which it gives its judgement on the meaning of the term ‘sex’ for the purpose of the Equality Act 2010. Overview of the legal issues The Gender Recognition Act 2004 […]
What’s Happening with the Employment Rights Bill?
Current Status of the Employment Rights Bill 2025 The Employment Rights Bill 2025 has now completed its progress through the House of Commons and has been transferred to the House of Lords for the continuation of its passage through Parliament. According to the latest legal commentary, there is a prediction that the Bill could receive […]
New deal for working people: The importance of probation periods and future changes
In this webinar we look at what impact the Employment Rights Bill has on dismissals, probation periods and other critical employment decisions.