Redundancy Notice 2026: Periods, Pay, Templates
Redundancy notice is one of the most scrutinised aspects of any redundancy process. Employers often focus on selection criteria and consultation mechanics, but miscalculating or mishandling notice can be just as legally damaging. Errors around notice periods, payment in lieu, tax treatment or timing frequently underpin wrongful dismissal claims and can also contribute to findings […]
How Long Can You Work Without a Break? 2026 Rules & Limits
How long can you work without a break? This is one of the most common working time questions raised by UK employers. It often arises in fast-paced environments, during staff shortages, or where workers voluntarily work through breaks. While the legal rule itself is relatively straightforward, the compliance risks sit in the detail: what counts […]
Long Term Sickness Absence: 2026 UK Employer Guide
Long-term sickness absence is one of the most sensitive and legally complex workforce issues UK employers face. While many absences begin as short-term illness, situations can quickly evolve into extended periods away from work, creating operational strain, financial cost and potential legal exposure. Handled poorly, long-term sickness absence can lead to unfair dismissal claims, disability […]
Managing Relationships at Work 2026 (UK Guide)
Managing relationships at work is not simply a matter of workplace culture or employee wellbeing. For UK employers, it is a matter of legal compliance, risk management and fair process. Interpersonal conflict, allegations of favouritism, romantic relationships between colleagues, or poorly handled disputes can all expose a business to claims under the Equality Act 2010, […]
Terminating an Employee with Mental Health Issues UK
Workplace mental health cases are increasing in frequency, complexity and legal sensitivity. For HR professionals and business owners, terminating an employee with mental health issues is rarely a straightforward capability decision. It sits at the intersection of unfair dismissal law, disability discrimination risk, health and safety duties and commercial sustainability. Handled correctly, dismissal for mental […]
Equal Opportunities Policy: What to Include (2026)
An equal opportunities policy is a core document for UK employers that supports compliance with the Equality Act 2010, reduces exposure to discrimination claims and provides a framework for fair decision-making across recruitment and employment. This guide explains the legal position, what a policy should contain, how to use a template effectively and the risks […]
Is Redundancy Pay Taxable? £30,000 Rule in 2026
Redundancy pay in the UK is tax-free up to £30,000 if it qualifies as a termination payment, but income tax applies to any amount above that threshold. The tax treatment depends on how each element of the redundancy package is classified. Section A: Is Redundancy Pay Taxable in the UK? Redundancy pay in […]
Overseas Police Check UK: Criminal Record Certificate Guide 2026
An overseas police check, often described in UK guidance as an overseas criminal record check UK, is a police or government-issued certificate confirming whether an individual has a criminal record in a country outside the United Kingdom. It is usually required where a person has lived abroad and is applying for regulated employment, safeguarding roles […]
UK Constructive Dismissal 2026: Claims, Rights & Examples
Constructive dismissal is one of the most legally complex and commercially sensitive areas of UK employment law. Unlike a standard dismissal, the employer does not terminate the contract. Instead, the employee resigns and alleges that they were entitled to do so because of the employer’s conduct. For employers, the risk lies in misunderstanding what amounts […]
DBS Check Renewal Rules for Employers (2026)
When an organisation recruits staff into roles involving trust, responsibility or safeguarding, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is often part of the pre-employment screening process. However, once a DBS certificate has been obtained, employers frequently ask whether it needs to be renewed, whether it expires and what their ongoing legal obligations are. DBS […]