In this episode of the Employment Law Pod, partners Andrew Whitaker and Helen Goss unpack one of the most significant shake-ups to UK employment law in decades: the Employment Rights Act.

With the Act now in force and many changes being phased in through 2026 and 2027, Andy and Helen explore what we know so far, what remains uncertain, and what employers should be thinking about now.

They discuss the headline reforms, including the reduction of the unfair dismissal qualifying period to six months, the proposed removal of the compensation cap, changes to statutory sick pay, collective redundancy rules, trade union law, fire and rehire, and zero-hours contracts.

Importantly, this episode doesn’t just focus on risk. Andy and Helen take a balanced view, using their famous Venn diagram thinking to explore whether there are genuine positives for both employers and employees, from improved workforce engagement and retention to a more level playing field across sectors.

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In our last employment podcast of the year Claire Taylor- Evans, Partner and Harjeet Nangla, Senior Associate discuss what might be on HR’s 2025 Christmas Wish List.

Can you spot the festive song lyrics throughout the episode?

The discussion starts with the risk of workplace Christmas parties, looking at employer liability, festive misconduct and the heightened obligations introduced by the Worker Protection Act. Claire and Harjeet unpack what “reasonable steps” really mean, the role of risk assessments, training and workplace culture, and how the EHRC is beginning to use its enforcement powers.

The conversation then turns to the long-awaited Employment Rights Bill, soon to become the Employment Rights Act 2025. The episode provides a practical overview of what’s changing, when those changes are expected to take effect, and why employers should start planning now.

Finally, the episode addresses the rise in restructures and redundancies amid economic uncertainty. Claire and Harjeet highlight common pitfalls around collective redundancy thresholds, settlement agreements and voluntary redundancies, and explain why early HR involvement and robust tracking are critical to avoiding costly mistakes.

A festive but practical end-of-year episode packed with insights to help HR teams stay compliant, reduce risk and prepare for what lies ahead in 2026 and beyond.

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If you’re staring down a reorganisation, a redundancy risk, or a fraying working relationship, a well-drafted settlement agreement can be the difference between clean closure and months of expensive uncertainty. In this episode, Partner Helen Goss and Solicitor Rachael McAnulty break down everything employers and employees need to know about settlement agreements.

With organisations continuing to restructure in a challenging economic climate, settlement agreements are increasingly common but they’re often misunderstood. Helen and Rachael discuss what a settlement agreement is, when it should be used, and the key clauses that must be drafted with care.

From tax treatment and PENP calculations to restrictive covenants, legal fee contributions, and the importance of getting notice arrangements right, this conversation provides clear, practical guidance for HR teams, business owners, and individuals exiting a company.

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Andrew Whiteaker, and Helen Goss unpack the legal and practical considerations when employees take time away from their regular roles, from temporary secondments to unpaid sabbaticals and career breaks.

They discuss:

• What distinguishes a secondment from a sabbatical or unpaid leave
• Common pitfalls when employees return from extended absence
• How to avoid disputes with clear written agreements
• What happens when a role no longer exists at the end of a secondment

Later in the episode, Andy and Helen delve into the CIPD Health and Wellbeing at Work Survey 2025, which reveals a sharp rise in sickness absence across UK sectors. They explore why absence levels are increasing, particularly the growing impact of mental health, the effects of hybrid and home working on sickness trends, how HR teams can manage absence more effectively through better data, communication, and manager training, and why employee wellbeing strategies need to move beyond box-ticking.

This episode is packed with practical advice for HR professionals, business leaders, and in-house counsel looking to stay ahead of emerging employment law and people management issues.

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In this episode of The Employment Law Pod, Andrew Whiteaker is joined by Julie Marsh, Partner in the Clinical Negligence team, to explore the challenges around managing long-term sickness absence.

Together, they discuss:

• The realities employees face after serious illness or injury.
• Why early communication between employers and employees matters.
• The role of medical evidence and occupational health in fair decision-making.
• What “reasonable adjustments” really mean under the Equality Act.
• Practical steps for employers to support a fair and lawful return-to-work process.

Discover how additional resources like Employee Assistance Programs and private medical insurance can support recovery, and why signposting employees to appropriate legal advice might provide crucial financial security when return to work proves impossible.

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Exiting a CEO or senior executive is rarely straightforward. In this episode of the Employment Law Pod, Partners Andrew Whiteaker and Helen Goss unpack the legal and commercial challenges of removing a senior leader. They explore how to handle service agreements, shareholder disputes, restrictive covenants, and whether garden leave or settlement is the best option.

In the second half of the episode, the focus shifts to workplace culture, with a deep dive into Lidl’s recent agreement with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), highlighting new employer obligations around preventing workplace sexual harassment.

Packed with practical insights, this episode is essential listening for HR professionals, business leaders, and anyone involved in managing senior exits or safeguarding workplace culture.

Subscribe to the Employment Law Pod for expert insights that blend legal precision with practical business guidance.

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In this episode of The Employment Law Pod, Chris Harber Partner, Employment & Immigration at Boyes Turner breaks down the sweeping changes to the UK immigration system introduced in July 2025. These updates are part of the government’s ongoing strategy to "restore control" and represent one of the most significant overhauls to the Skilled Worker route in recent years.

If your organisation holds a sponsor licence or relies on migrant labour, this is a must-listen.

Key takeaways for employers:

• Over 180 roles have been removed from the Skilled Occupation List.
• Employers can no longer sponsor chefs, hotel managers, or other roles now classed below Level 6.
• Sponsorship strategies must adapt to ensure compliance and avoid costly missteps.
• The government is linking immigration policy with industrial strategy for the first time in years.

Boyes Turner’s Employment & Immigration team can help assess how these changes impact your recruitment plans.

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In this episode of The Employment Law Pod, Partners Andrew Whiteaker and Helen Goss dissect a series of recent and thought-provoking employment law developments:

Sighing as Discrimination?
They begin with the case of Watson v Roke Manor Research, where a manager’s non-verbal expressions such as sighing, eye-rolling, and huffing were deemed discriminatory toward an employee with ADHD. The discussion explores how microaggressions and unconscious bias can contribute to a hostile work environment, and why employers must take reasonable adjustments seriously.

CNN and Cross-Border Employment Rights
Next, Helen breaks down CNN v Bhatti, a case involving a British journalist injured abroad who challenged CNN's attempt to block her UK tribunal claims. Despite a US-governed contract and overseas assignments, the courts found a strong enough UK connection for the case to proceed, offering a valuable reminder about jurisdictional reach in employment law.

Hybrid Working: A Growing Flashpoint
Andy revisits the ever-evolving topic of hybrid working, focusing on HSBC's directive tying office attendance to performance reviews and bonuses. They examine trends across major employers (Barclays, Santander, PwC) and discuss the potential impact on employee satisfaction and retention, particularly when workers moved during the pandemic.

A Garden, a Meeting, and a Tribunal
Finally, they cover a quirky but relevant tribunal case where an employee’s refusal to attend a face-to-face mediation, opting instead to supervise gardeners at home while joining via Teams, was cited by the employer as blameworthy conduct. The tribunal disagreed, underscoring ongoing tensions around remote vs. in-person expectations.

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