Apprenticeships 2026: Law, Rights and Employer Duties
Apprenticeships have become a central feature of workforce planning for UK employers, supported by government funding, structured training frameworks and a growing emphasis on skills development. When used properly, apprenticeships can provide a cost-effective and sustainable route to building talent pipelines while meeting business needs. When used incorrectly, they can expose employers to legal, financial […]
Apprenticeship Levy: Benefits & Challenges 2026
The apprenticeship landscape has changed significantly over recent years, providing greater opportunities for individuals to combine work with study to gain skills and knowledge in a structured and regulated environment, and for businesses to benefit from recruiting, developing and retaining talent aligned to their operational needs. For UK employers, apprenticeships are no longer limited to […]
Taking on an Apprentice: Legal Considerations in 2026
Apprenticeships have become an increasingly popular option for UK employers looking to build skills within their workforce while managing recruitment costs and future talent needs. For many businesses, taking on an apprentice offers a practical way to address skills shortages, develop employees to meet specific operational requirements, and access government-backed training support. However, taking on […]
Advantages and Disadvantages of Zero Hour Contracts
Zero hour contracts remain one of the most debated working arrangements in the UK labour market. For employers, they can offer flexibility and cost control in uncertain or fluctuating trading conditions. For workers, they can provide access to work that fits around other commitments. However, the legal and practical realities of zero hour contracts are […]
Sick Pay on Zero-Hours Contracts (UK)
Zero-hours contracts are often misunderstood by both managers and workers, particularly when it comes to sickness absence and pay. A common assumption is that the absence of guaranteed hours also removes entitlement to sick pay. Under UK employment law, that assumption is wrong and creates compliance risk for employers. Sick pay entitlement for zero-hours staff […]
Diversity Management for Employers 2026
Diversity management has become a central issue for UK employers as workforces grow more varied in terms of background, experience and personal characteristics. For HR professionals and business owners, diversity is not only a cultural or ethical concern but a legal one, grounded firmly in UK employment law. How an organisation recruits, manages, rewards and […]
Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015
The Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 is a wide-ranging piece of UK legislation designed to support business growth while strengthening the enforcement of employment rights. Although the Act is not limited to employment law, several of its provisions have direct and ongoing relevance for employers, HR professionals and business owners managing staff in […]
Zero Hour Contract: UK Employer 2026 Legal Guide
Part-time, casual and flexible working arrangements are now a permanent feature of the UK labour market. One of the most common, and most misunderstood, of these arrangements is the zero hour contract. For employers, zero hour contracts can provide a practical way to manage fluctuating demand, seasonal work or short-term staffing needs. For workers, they […]
Less Favourable Treatment of Part-Time Workers
Part-time working is a well-established feature of the UK labour market, offering flexibility for both employers and workers. However, employing part-time staff carries specific legal responsibilities, particularly around ensuring they are not treated less favourably than comparable full-time workers. Failures in this area can expose employers to employment tribunal claims, reputational risk and avoidable management […]
Comparable Full-Time Worker in UK Employment Law
Part-time working is a common feature of the modern UK workforce, particularly across professional services, retail, healthcare and administrative roles. While flexible working arrangements can benefit both employers and employees, they also introduce specific legal obligations that businesses must understand and manage carefully. One of the most important, and often misunderstood, concepts in part-time worker […]