Disciplining Twice for the Same Offence UK 2026
There is no automatic rule in UK employment law preventing disciplining twice for the same offence. However, a second disciplinary process will be closely scrutinised by an employment tribunal and will only be fair where the employer can clearly justify reopening the matter and can show it acted reasonably in all the circumstances. The starting […]
Nepotism at Work UK 2026: Legal Risks & Solutions
Workplace relationships can be an asset to any organisation. Trust, loyalty and shared values often strengthen working arrangements. However, when personal relationships influence hiring, promotion or disciplinary decisions, concerns arise about fairness, transparency and legal risk. This is where the issue of nepotism at work becomes relevant. Nepotism at work refers to favouritism shown to […]
Employees Stranded Abroad Due To Middle East Conflict: HR Issues
Employees Stranded Abroad: Key Issues for HR Geopolitical events or sudden border closures can leave employees unable to return to the UK as planned. When this happens, HR teams will be facing several overlapping issues involving employment rights, immigration compliance, tax exposure and employee welfare. The correct response often depends on the cause […]
UK Sick Note (Fit Note) 2026: When & What It Means
Section A: What is a Sick Note in the UK? In UK employment law, there is no specific legal document called a ‘sick note’. The term is commonly used to describe what is officially known as a ‘fit note’. A fit note is the recognised form of medical evidence used to support sickness […]
UK Work Visa Numbers Plummet: Latest Data
UK Work Visa Numbers Fall to Lowest Levels Since 2021 The latest UK work visa statistics published by the Home Office confirm that recruitment from overseas in 2025 has become slower, more selective and more heavily scrutinised than during the post-pandemic surge. A total of 168,471 work visas were granted to main applicants […]
Employment Case Law Update February 2026
Religion or belief discrimination Ngole v Touchstone Leeds (EAT) Mr Ngole applied for a social work position with Touchstone Leeds and received a conditional offer of employment. The organisation later became aware of online reporting reproducing historic Facebook posts in which he had expressed the orthodox Christian view that homosexuality is sinful. After […]
Phased Retirement in the UK: How It Works (2026)
Phased retirement is an approach that allows employees to move from full-time work to retirement gradually, rather than stopping work at a single point in time. This could be in the form of fewer working hours or responsibilities, or even a different role. Phased retirement is usually adopted where both employer and employee want a […]
Can You Dismiss An Employee On Sick Leave?
Employers can lawfully dismiss an employee who is off sick, provided they have a potentially fair reason for dismissal, act reasonably in all the circumstances and follow a fair procedure. The following guide for employers on dismissal due to sickness absence looks at what amounts to potential grounds for dismissal in this context, from conduct […]
What are my Rights if a Grievance is Raised Against Me?
It is not uncommon for staff to raise a grievance about their managers, in some cases without just cause, although the employer is still expected to investigate any formal complaint fairly and proportionately. It is therefore important for managers to know their own employment rights in these circumstances, not only to help minimise the potential […]
Fixed Term Contract of Employment: UK Law Explained 2026
A fixed term contract is one of the most commonly used employment structures in the UK, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood from a legal risk perspective. Many employers assume that because a contract has an end date, the legal obligations attached to it are lighter. In reality, the opposite is often true. […]