Protected Period in Pregnancy: A Guide for UK Employers
Pregnancy and maternity are classed as one of nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. The protected period refers to the timeframe during which pregnant employees and new mothers are afforded enhanced legal protections against discrimination and unfair treatment under UK law. Treating an employee unfavourably because of pregnancy, maternity, or taking maternity leave […]
Reasonable Travelling Distance: Employer Guidelines
If your organisation is moving to a new location or you are asking an employee to transfer to another office or branch, a key consideration will be determining whether the distance the employee will have to travel to their new workplace is ‘reasonable’. Unfortunately, the rules on travelling distance for work are far from clear, […]
How to Write a Reference (UK) 2026: Format, Examples & Legal Tips
An employee in need of a reference may be moving on to a different job role for all sorts of reasons, for example, if they are relocating, due to other personal circumstances, or simply because they want a fresh start or they are looking to progress their career. However, whatever the reason, they will almost […]
Unpaid Leave: Guide for Employers
Unpaid leave is where an employee takes time off from their job without receiving their usual pay. Unlike statutory leave entitlements, such as annual leave or sick leave, unpaid leave is generally agreed between the employer and employee. Common reasons for unpaid leave include emergencies, caring responsibilities, extended travel, or personal commitments. For UK employers, […]
Employment Discrimination: Guide for UK Employers
Employment discrimination occurs when an individual is treated unfairly in the workplace due to protected characteristics such as age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or other attributes outlined in the Equality Act 2010. Discrimination can happen during recruitment, promotion, pay decisions, or everyday interactions at work. It includes direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment and […]
Reasonable Adjustments: Employers’ Guide
Under the provisions of the Equality Act 2010, employers have to make reasonable adjustments at work to ensure individuals with a qualifying disability are not significantly disadvantaged in performing their role when compared to other workers. In practice, there are many misconceptions about what reasonable adjustments are and when they must be provided, potentially exposing […]
Gaslighting at Work: How to Recognise & Address It
While the concept of ‘gaslighting at work’ is relatively modern in HR terminology, power struggles in the workplace are by no means new. In this guide, we examine what is meant by gaslighting at work, with common examples of gaslighting behaviours. We also explore how this type of unwanted conduct can be managed effectively and […]
Changing a Job Description: UK Employment Law Guide
If managed correctly, changing a worker’s job description can help your organisation adapt its operations while improving morale and increasing the flexibility of your workforce. Employers are allowed to change workers’ job roles, provided there are contractual terms in the employment contract allowing them to do so, such as a flexibility clause, and the employee […]
Pregnancy Related Illness: UK Workplace Guide
In recognition of the vulnerabilities that come with pregnancy, pregnant employees are afforded special legal status. Pregnant employees can be more susceptible to illness, with common pregnancy-related illnesses including nausea, vomiting, fatigue, back pain and bleeding. This can result in higher instances of absence from work. Employers and managers should approach pregnancy-related sickness absence with […]
UK Visa Options for Interns
Internships can offer valuable experience for individuals looking to gain insight into the UK job market, but they also raise important legal considerations for both applicants and host organisations. There is no dedicated “internship visa” for the UK. Instead, eligibility depends on the individual’s circumstances and the nature of the internship. The most common route […]