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. […]
UK Enforces Digital Permission to Travel under ETA Scheme
ETA Rules from 25 February 2026 From 25 February 2026, expanded Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) enforcement is operating alongside strengthened carrier verification systems. Carriers transporting passengers to the UK by air, sea or rail are expected to verify, through automated permission checks, that a passenger holds the required permission or exemption before departure. […]
New ETA Scheme for 25th February 2026
What is the UK ETA? An ETA is a digital travel permission, not a visa and not a right to enter. It is obtained through a short online application, either via the official UK ETA app or the GOV.UK service. The current application fee is £16. Most applications are decided automatically in minutes, […]
UK New Entry Requirements 2026
Section A: UK border entry rules from February 2026 From February 2026, UK entry operates on a decisively pre-travel basis. The legal right to enter the UK has not been rewritten, but the way that right is checked and enforced has changed. Airlines and other carriers such as ferry operators and rail carriers, […]