Protected Characteristics at Work (2026 UK Guide)
Protected characteristics sit at the centre of UK discrimination law. They define the legal boundaries within which employers must operate when recruiting, managing and, where necessary, dismissing staff. Under the Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful to discriminate, harass or victimise someone because of a protected characteristic. These rules apply across the employment lifecycle, from […]
UK Visa Processing Times: How Long Each Visa Takes 2026
The length of time it takes for your application to be processed can be an important factor in deciding when to apply and when to make travel arrangements. But UK visa processing times vary considerably, depending on factors such as the type of visa being applied for, the country or Embassy where the application is […]
Family Visitor Visa UK (Rules & Eligibility)
The Family Visitor Visa allows overseas nationals to travel to the UK to spend time with close family members on a temporary basis. While the term “Family Visitor Visa” is still commonly used, it is no longer a distinct immigration category. Family visits now fall under the Standard Visitor Visa route governed by Appendix V […]
UK Visa Extension Guide: Step-by-Step
A UK visa extension allows individuals who are already in the United Kingdom on a valid visa to prolong their stay beyond the original expiry date of their visa. This process is essential for those who wish to continue their studies, employment, or other activities in the UK without interruption. The extension application involves providing […]
Legal Implications of Working Two Jobs
The growth of side jobs and portfolio working, especially given economic pressures and changing work culture, means that employers are increasingly likely to encounter staff with secondary work. While not necessarily unlawful, this can create a number of legal, operational and reputational considerations. In this guide for employers, we explain the practical and legal implications […]
TUPE Q and A for Employees: Employer Guide
The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006, or ‘TUPE regulations’, ensure that employees are not unfairly disadvantaged when their employment is transferred to a new employer. Under TUPE, the employment contracts of transferring employees, including all rights and obligations, must be preserved by the incoming employer, and both the outgoing and incoming employers […]
Suspension from Work: Guide for Employers
Suspension from work refers to the temporary removal of an employee from their duties, usually pending an investigation or disciplinary action. Suspensions are typically used when serious concerns are alleged or suspected regarding an employee’s conduct, performance or behaviour, that warrant immediate attention. Importantly, suspension from work is not a form of disciplinary action in […]
How to Deal with Theft by an Employee
Theft by an employee can raise a number of issues for employers, from employment rights to workforce morale. If you have grounds to suspect an employee has been misusing company property or stealing from work, you should proceed with care. Your initial reaction may be to take disciplinary action straight away, but you have to […]
Leave of Absence UK 2026: What It Is, When It Applies
Managing employee absences is a balancing act. Employers have to accommodate legitimate leave requests while ensuring productivity isn’t compromised. But what exactly counts as a leave of absence, and how should employers handle it? In the UK, there’s no single legal definition of a leave of absence; it can cover anything from parental leave and […]
Written Warning Guide for Employers
A written warning is a formal step an employer can take when addressing concerns about an employee’s conduct or performance. Employers generally issue written warnings after informal measures have failed or where the situation is too serious to be dealt with informally but does not yet warrant dismissal. Common examples include repeated lateness, breaches of […]