April 20, 2026

Preparing for a new employment landscape in 2026/27: Further protections

Annual leave & holiday pay (effective April 2026) From 6 April, the Employment Rights Act (ERA) 2025 has introduced strict new record-keeping duties, requiring employers to maintain detailed
April 7, 2026

Preparing for a New Employment Landscape in 2026: Employment Rights Act Changes Explained

Paternity Leave As of Monday, 6 April 2026, the Employment Rights Act (ERA) 2025 will fundamentally transform the UK workplace by introducing several "Day One" entitlements. Now, paid
March 18, 2026

When is a “self-employed” contractor a de facto employee?

The employment status of a former bricklayer was recently called into question in establishing liability for asbestos exposure. The widow of the late Mr. Eric Alger, who died from mesothelioma, sought
February 16, 2026

Intimidating claimants with costs orders may be at an end.

A claimant made allegations of unfair dismissal, discrimination, and detriment resulting from whistleblowing. While his claim against the Council was subsequently withdrawn early on, the claim against
February 4, 2026

Payments made into employee benefit trusts constitute taxable income

A Tribunal recently ruled that payments made for work into a third-party trust constitute immediate employment earnings. This decision effectively precludes employers from using loan-based structures
January 22, 2026

Take care when labelling a bonus as discretionary in a contract

The High Court recently ruled on the interpretation and enforceability of "discretionary" bonus provisions in employment contracts. Mr. Gagliardi brought a breach of employment contract claim against
January 7, 2026

Suing whistleblowers for a breach of confidence is not a viable strategy

The Court of Appeal has ruled that the initiation of legal or arbitral proceedings by an employer against a ‘whistleblower’ who has made a protected disclosure constitutes an actionable detriment
December 16, 2025

Employers may now be personally liable for unfair dismissal claims

A recent ruling has increased the scope of statutory protection for whistleblowers to include covered detriments against co-workers under the Employment Rights Act 1996. A Mr. Rice was dismissed by
November 19, 2025

Early termination of probation can constitute wrongful dismissal

The claimant began employment as a Contracts Coordinator on 23 January 2023, subject to a contractual 6-month probationary period, one which required 5 weeks' notice for termination. The contract
November 5, 2025

Tread carefully when using temporary contracts to confer tax breaks

A recent ruling has established that temporary worker arrangements do not constitute a single, continuous employment relationship in which workers retain the unfettered right to refuse assignments.