Subject Access Request 2026: Employer Guide UK
A Subject Access Request (often referred to as a DSAR) is one of the most powerful rights available to individuals under UK data protection law. In the employment context, it allows employees, former employees and job applicants to request access to the personal data their employer holds about them. For HR professionals and business owners, […]
Job Application UK: Employer Legal Guide 2026
Managing a job application is not simply an administrative step in recruitment. For UK employers, every job application creates legal exposure. From the moment an individual submits a job application form, the employer is processing personal data, applying selection criteria and making decisions that may later be scrutinised in a tribunal or by a regulator. […]
Disciplining Twice for the Same Offence UK 2026
There is no automatic rule in UK employment law preventing disciplining twice for the same offence. However, a second disciplinary process will be closely scrutinised by an employment tribunal and will only be fair where the employer can clearly justify reopening the matter and can show it acted reasonably in all the circumstances. The starting […]
Nepotism at Work UK 2026: Legal Risks & Solutions
Workplace relationships can be an asset to any organisation. Trust, loyalty and shared values often strengthen working arrangements. However, when personal relationships influence hiring, promotion or disciplinary decisions, concerns arise about fairness, transparency and legal risk. This is where the issue of nepotism at work becomes relevant. Nepotism at work refers to favouritism shown to […]
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 […]
Fixed Term Contract of Employment: UK Law Explained 2026
A fixed term contract is one of the most commonly used employment structures in the UK, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood from a legal risk perspective. Many employers assume that because a contract has an end date, the legal obligations attached to it are lighter. In reality, the opposite is often true. […]
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 […]