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 […]
Soft Skills UK: Examples, Training & CV Tips
Soft skills are the personal attributes and behavioural competencies that determine how effectively an individual works with others. While hard skills relate to technical knowledge and job-specific ability, soft skills influence communication, leadership, teamwork, adaptability and decision-making in the workplace. In modern UK organisations, soft skills are no longer viewed as secondary to technical expertise; […]
What Is the Modern Slavery Act 2015? UK Guide 2026
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 is one of the most significant pieces of UK legislation addressing exploitation, human trafficking and forced labour. While much of the Act focuses on criminal offences and victim protection, it also introduced direct corporate reporting obligations that affect thousands of commercial organisations operating in the UK. For employers, compliance with […]
Managing a Global Workforce in the UK: 2026 Guide
Global workforce management has moved beyond a purely operational HR function. For UK-based organisations, managing a global workforce now sits at the intersection of UK employment law, UK immigration compliance, tax governance, data protection and strategic workforce planning. As teams operate across jurisdictions, whether through overseas expansion, remote working, international assignments or cross-border hiring, the […]
Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme 2026 Guide
Section A: Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme Changes 2026 The Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPE Scheme) allows Ukrainian nationals and their eligible family members to extend their permission to stay in the UK after an initial grant under the Ukraine Family Scheme, Homes for Ukraine Scheme, or Ukraine Extension Scheme. The scheme continues to […]
Vaping at Work UK: Can Employers Ban It? 2026
Vaping at work has become a common workplace issue across the UK. While smoking in enclosed workplaces is prohibited by law, electronic cigarettes fall outside the statutory smoking ban. This creates uncertainty for employers and employees alike. Can you vape indoors at work? Can an employer impose a no vaping at work rule? If someone […]
Request for Annual Leave: UK Guide (2026)
Managing a request for annual leave is not simply an administrative task. It is a statutory compliance issue governed primarily by the Working Time Regulations 1998 (WTR), shaped by case law on holiday pay, and influenced by discrimination risk under the Equality Act 2010. Employers retain control over when leave may be taken, but they […]
Employment Rights Act 1996: 2026 Guide
The Employment Rights Act 1996 is the core statute underpinning individual employment rights in the UK. It governs written terms of employment, protection from unlawful deductions, notice periods, redundancy payments, protection from detriment, whistleblowing, flexible working and, most significantly, unfair dismissal. While other statutes such as the Equality Act 2010 and the National Minimum Wage […]