New statutory rates for 2026 April marks the month each year where changes to statutory rates come into force. Most rate changes take effect from 6th April (to align with the start of the new tax year). The statutory rates for family leave, sick pay, redundancy and the cap on unfair dismissal compensatory awards are, […]
Refusing annual leave – employer’s rights. Under Working Time Regulations 1998, all workers are entitled to at least 5.6 weeks of paid holiday per year. However, workers do not have complete freedom to take holiday when they choose to. Employers need to be able to plan and make sure that sufficient cover is in place […]
Employment Rights Act 2025: The key employment law changes employers need on their radar After months of parliamentary debate, the Employment Rights Bill has finally cleared the House of Lords and gained Royal Assent on 18th December 2025. It has now become the Employment Rights Act 2025 (ERA 2025) – a landmark reform that will […]
Redundancy: Don’t cut corners on alternative employment A genuine redundancy and fair selection process aren’t enough on their own to carry out a fair redundancy dismissal. Employers also have a legal duty to explore alternative roles for affected employees – and taking a half-hearted approach, risks making the whole process unfair. That’s the clear message […]
Independent investigators not liable for whistleblowing dismissal When handling high-stakes disciplinary or grievance matters – particularly involving senior staff – many businesses sensibly turn to external HR consultants or investigators to ensure objectivity, professionalism, and compliance. A recent Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) decision will come as welcome news for those operating in this space: unless […]
What happens to employees when a business becomes insolvent? Business insolvencies in early 2025 have risen 11% from last year, with many companies facing financial distress. For HR professionals, understanding the employment implications of insolvency is crucial. Here’s what happens when a business goes into administration, is sold out of administration, or enters liquidation. Administration: […]
New statutory rates for 2025 April marks the month each year where changes to statutory rates come into force. Most rate changes take effect from 6th April (to align with the start of the new tax year). National minimum wage changes take effect from 1st April. The statutory rates for family leave, sick pay, redundancy and the […]
Why, for many employees and managers ‘sorry seems to be the hardest word’ Apologising at work can be a daunting task. Often, employees and managers hesitate to say ‘sorry’ outright, opting for vague, noncommittal phrases like, ‘I apologise for any hurt caused.’ Such equivocal apologies avoid admitting wrongdoing, instead shifting the focus to others’ feelings without acknowledging […]
Employment Rights Bill: What’s Changing? An Amendment Paper on the Employment Rights Bill was published at the end of November. Key proposed changes include the following proposals from the Government: Additional changes have been proposed by MPs: It remains to be seen how many of these changes will ‘stick’ as the Bill continues its progress through the […]
Anti-Islamic aspects of Claimant’s belief in English nationalism not a protected belief under Equality Act 2010 Anti-Islamic Views in English Nationalism Denied Protection under Equality Act 2010 Under Equality Act 2010 employees have protection against discrimination on grounds of ‘religion or belief’. Whether or not a person’s views should be regarded as a ‘protected belief’ is often a […]
