United Kingdom: Contract of Employment

The UK government has published a draft Employer's guide addressing the expanded illegal working regime and updated right to work check procedures. This guidance outlines new compliance requirements and verification processes that employers must follow to avoid penalties. Understanding these changes is crucial for organizations to maintain legal compliance in their hiring and employment practices.

The Court of Appeal has ruled that requiring a trainee employee to repay internal training costs constitutes an unreasonable restraint of trade. This landmark decision examines when repayment provisions cross the line from legitimate business protection to unlawful restriction, with significant implications for employers using clawback arrangements for training, bonuses, and other benefits.

The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces significant new rights for trade unions to access UK workplaces, affecting all employers with 21 or more workers. With implementation set for October 2026, the Government has published updated statutory codes of practice following consultation feedback, clarifying how access requests should be made, negotiated, and implemented. Employers should prepare for these changes as the Government aims to facilitate increased union membership and activity across UK workplaces

The UK Government has launched a consultation on zero-hours contract reforms under the Employment Rights Act 2025, proposing three new rights for qualifying workers: guaranteed hours offers, reasonable notice of shifts, and payment for short-notice cancellations. With responses due by August 25, 2026, the consultation explores critical details including hours thresholds, reference periods, and enforcement mechanisms that will fundamentally reshape how businesses manage flexible workforces.

The football World Cup brings excitement but also workplace challenges as employers face potential productivity losses from employee absences and sick days. With Scotland's matches kicking off late at night and new statutory sick pay rules removing previous disincentives, how can employers balance employee enthusiasm with business needs while maintaining fair and consistent policies?

That position is about to change significantly. The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces new restrictions on fire and rehire that are currently scheduled to take effect from January 2027.

The UK government has opened a consultation on potential new employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children, including proposals for paid carer's leave, extended leave periods, and a new right to return to work.

Any business operating with employees in the UK will likely be aware of the many changes that have been introduced, and are still to be introduced, under the Employment Rights Act 2025.

Facing a settlement agreement from your employer can be daunting, whether due to dismissal, redundancy, or workplace disputes.