Global Assignment Guide for UK Employers (2026)
A global assignment can offer UK employers a practical route into new markets, access to specialist skills and long-term leadership development. However, deploying an employee overseas is not only a logistical exercise. It engages overlapping legal duties and compliance risks across employment law, immigration, tax, health and safety and data protection. A global assignment is […]
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 […]
Digital Nomad UK: Employer Legal Guide 2026
The term “digital nomad” is now widely used to describe professionals who work remotely while travelling or living outside their home country. The growth of cloud-based systems, cross-border teams and post-pandemic remote work has made this model increasingly common. Employees may ask to work from Europe under a digital nomad visa, to return to their […]
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 […]
UK Travel & Entry Rules for Russian Citizens (2026)
Russian citizens can travel to the UK, but a visa is required before departure. There is no general travel ban on Russian passport holders, although individual sanctions and standard immigration suitability checks may apply. This guide explains the current UK rules in 2026, including visa requirements, permitted activities and available work and family routes. […]