ACAS Early Conciliation UK 2026: What It Is & How to Start
In circumstances where a workplace dispute cannot be resolved internally, an employee may be looking to file a claim before the employment tribunal. However, the parties to a potential claim are usually first required to explore the possibility of early conciliation. ACAS Early Conciliation is a mandatory process that must be undertaken before an employee […]
Falsifying Documents at Work
Falsifying documents refers to the act of altering, fabricating, or misrepresenting information in official or work-related records. Such actions may include forging signatures, backdating documents or creating entirely fake documents. In the workplace, falsified documents can range from falsified expense claims and timesheets to tampered employment records or fraudulent certifications. For UK employers, falsified documents […]
Employer Vicarious Liability Rules in the UK
By law, employers can be held vicariously liable for certain acts of their employees. This means that even where the employer itself has technically done no wrong, it can still be found responsible for employees’ actions and required to financially compensate the victim of the wrongdoing. The rationale behind the rules of employer vicarious liability […]
Final Written Warning: Guide for UK Employers
A final written warning is a formal step in the disciplinary process, issued when an employee’s misconduct or performance issues are serious or persistent. It acts as a last opportunity for the employee to improve their behaviour or meet required standards before further action, such as dismissal, is considered. The warning typically outlines the specific […]
Can An Employee Refuse Training?
Encouraging employees to progress with their personal development and within your business can help to unlock productivity and boost performance, especially if an individual is willing to undertake additional training relevant to their job role. Training can also form a mandatory part of a particular role, although not all employees will be willing to undertake […]
ET3 Form: Respond to an Employment Tribunal Claim
The ET3 form is the document employers must complete when responding to an Employment Tribunal claim made against them. When an employee submits an ET1 form to start a claim, such as for unfair dismissal or discrimination, the tribunal sends a copy to the employer along with the ET3 response form. Employers have 28 days […]
Unfair Dismissal Claims: A Guide for Employers
Employers must understand their legal obligations when dismissing employees to avoid claims of unfair dismissal. Under UK law, employees have the right to not be dismissed unfairly, and failure to meet these obligations can lead to tribunal claims, compensation payouts, and reputational damage. Below, we provide a comprehensive guide for employers on what constitutes unfair […]
Managing Personal Relationships at Work: Employer Guide
Personal relationships at work refer to close connections between employees, which can include friendships, family ties, or romantic and intimate relationships. Such relationships can arise naturally due to shared workspaces and experiences. While these connections can have positive effects, such as boosting morale and teamwork, they can also create challenges if not managed appropriately. With […]
Time Limit for Disciplinary Actions: Employer Guide
The ACAS Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures states: “employers and employees should raise and deal with issues promptly and should not unreasonably delay meetings, decisions or confirmation of those decisions.” In practice, most disciplinary matters are dealt with promptly, typically within a matter of weeks, while more complex or difficult cases – […]
Avoiding Employer Breaches of Employment Contracts
Employers risk legal claims if they breach the terms of an employment contract with an employee. In this guide, we explore the different types of terms that make up an employment contract—both express and implied—and provide guidance on how employers can avoid breaches and address issues effectively. Understanding employment contracts An employment contract […]