United Kingdom: Employment and HR

The EU Platform Work Directive introduces a rebuttable presumption of employment status for gig economy workers and stricter requirements for automated monitoring systems. With Member States facing a December 2026 transposition deadline, implementation approaches vary significantly across Europe, creating uncertainty for digital labour platforms about compliance requirements and potential misclassification risks.

Employment lawyers George Cokkinos and Josh Davies address frequently asked questions from employees who have received settlement agreement offers from their employers. The discussion provides practical insights into navigating these important employment law documents and understanding your rights during the settlement process.

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.

The Employment Rights Act introduces sweeping reforms to UK employment law, from unfair dismissal protections and zero-hours contracts to enhanced family rights and trade union access. This comprehensive dashboard tracks every change, clarifying current law versus what's coming, with detailed implementation timelines and expert analysis to help employers navigate the transformation.

For many employers, the shape of modern employment law is already changing. Flexible working, carer’s leave and extended redundancy rights have become part of everyday practice. Yet there is one area still under review that could prove the most significant of all, and that’s the protection of pregnant employees and new mothers.

The Department for Business and Trade has released a comprehensive timeline detailing when key provisions of the Employment Rights Act 2025 will come into force, bringing significant changes to workplace rights, trade union powers, and employer obligations. From electronic balloting rights to extended tribunal time limits and strengthened harassment protections, these reforms will fundamentally reshape the employment landscape over the next two years.

The UK government has introduced draft legislation enabling defined benefit pension schemes to release surplus funds directly to members from April 2027, while HMRC updates to VAT guidance create uncertainty around input tax recovery for scheme administration costs. Meanwhile, new inheritance tax information-sharing requirements take effect, and the Pensions Regulator sets out its five-year strategic priorities focused on innovation, value for money, and supporting UK economic growth.

An expert panel chaired by HHJ Hess examines the Government's proposals for reforming financial remedies, cohabitation, and inheritance law in England and Wales. Leading practitioners and academics discuss the implications of the Fairer End to Relationships consultation, bringing together diverse perspectives on these significant proposed changes to family law. The panel features specialists in pensions on divorce, financial remedies, and trust and estates law, offering insights into how these reforms could

This weekly update from A&O Shearman's Pensions team covers critical developments in UK workplace pensions regulation, including extended consultation deadlines for the Value for Money framework, new guidance on pensions dashboards member queries, and an Upper Tribunal ruling on HMRC compliance obligations. The update provides essential insights for pension trustees and scheme managers navigating evolving regulatory requirements.

The Employment Rights Act introduces sweeping reforms to UK employment law, from unfair dismissal protections and zero-hours contracts to enhanced family rights and trade union access. This comprehensive dashboard tracks every change, clarifying current law versus what's coming, with detailed implementation timelines and expert analysis to help employers navigate the transformation.

For many employers, the shape of modern employment law is already changing. Flexible working, carer’s leave and extended redundancy rights have become part of everyday practice. Yet there is one area still under review that could prove the most significant of all, and that’s the protection of pregnant employees and new mothers.

The Department for Business and Trade has released a comprehensive timeline detailing when key provisions of the Employment Rights Act 2025 will come into force, bringing significant changes to workplace rights, trade union powers, and employer obligations. From electronic balloting rights to extended tribunal time limits and strengthened harassment protections, these reforms will fundamentally reshape the employment landscape over the next two years.