United Kingdom: Contract of Employment

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Employment law and labour law articles and thought leadership, podcasts, videos and webinars from expert sources across the legal world. Explore articles covering topics such as Discrimination, Employee Benefits and Compensation, Health and Safety, Unfair/Wrongful Dismissal, Whistleblowing, Employment Rights, Outsourcing and Redundancy.
Article
Unfair Dismissal Reform: Why Employers Need To Act Before January 2027
The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces a major shift in UK employment law by reducing the unfair dismissal qualifying period from two years to just six months, effective January 2027. This change will impact both new and existing employees, requiring employers to justify dismissal decisions much earlier in the employment relationship. Understanding how to manage probation periods, maintain proper documentation, and follow fair procedures will be critical for businesses navigating this significant reform.
United Kingdom Employment
RB
Rothera Bray
Article
High Court Awards Robert Gagliardi US$5.385 Million In Damages For ECM’s Failure To Pay Discretionary Bonus
Following a three-and-a-half-week trial, the High Court has ruled in favour of Mr. Gagliardi in a comprehensive 154-page judgment in Robert Gagliardi v Evolution Capital Management LLC [2025] EWHC 3214 (Comm). Mr. Justice Calver found that Mr. Gagliardi was contractually entitled to a $5.385 million discretionary bonus for his hugely profitable trading in 2021, which Evolution Capital Management LLC (“ECM”) had unlawfully failed to pay. The Court dismissed ECM’s counterclaim in its entirety.
United Kingdom Employment
PCB Byrne
Article
Settlement Agreements And Redundancy (12 August 2026)
When your employer offers voluntary redundancy through a settlement agreement, understanding the key differences from statutory redundancy becomes crucial. This comprehensive analysis examines the legal frameworks, financial implications, and strategic considerations that determine whether accepting a negotiated settlement or proceeding through formal redundancy procedures better serves your interests.
United Kingdom Employment
DL
Duncan Lewis & Co Solicitors
Article
Expanded Illegal Working Regime: Draft Employer's Guide To Right To Work Checks Published
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.
United Kingdom Employment
LS
Lewis Silkin
Article
When Will A Repayment Agreement Be An Unreasonable Restraint On Trade?
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.
United Kingdom Employment
LS
Lewis Silkin
Article
The UK Government Responds To Consultation On Trade Union Access Rights
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
United Kingdom Employment
WL
Withers LLP
Article
‘Fire And Rehire’ – An Impact Of The New Regime For Pension Scheme Liability Management Exercises?
The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces new restrictions on 'fire and re-hire' practices that could significantly impact pension scheme changes where benefits form part of employment contracts. This analysis explores how the legislation affects pension scheme liability management exercises and what employers need to consider when contemplating changes to contractual pension terms after January 2027.
United Kingdom Employment
Sa
Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP
Article
The Employment Rights Act 2025 And Fixed Term Contracts
The UK government's plan to remove the cap on unfair dismissal compensation and reduce the qualifying period from two years to six months will fundamentally reshape how employers use fixed-term contracts. These changes, effective January 2027, mean that employees on fixed-term contracts of six months or more will gain significant new protections, requiring employers to identify fair reasons and follow proper procedures when contracts expire without renewal.
United Kingdom Employment
LS
Lewis Silkin
Article
Senior Exits In Private Credit Portcos: Navigating The Transition To An Uncapped Unfair Dismissal Regime
As private credit owners navigate troubled borrower situations, they often face the challenge of replacing underperforming senior management teams. With the UK abolishing the unfair dismissal compensation cap and reducing the qualifying period from two years to six months starting January 2027, the landscape for managing executive exits is set to transform dramatically, making current strategies for performance management and negotiated departures significantly more complex and costly.
United Kingdom Employment
M
Macfarlanes LLP
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