Not ready for the 6 April changes? Don’t panic – but act fast
Apr 2026
If the employment law changes coming into force on 6 April 2026 have caught you off guard, you’re certainly not alone. The pace and scale of this year’s updates following the passage of the Employment Rights Act 2025 have made preparation difficult, especially as some measures arrived with limited notice.
Employment Tribunal claims surge by over 50% - what the latest statistics mean for employers
Mar 2026
The latest Employment Tribunal statistics for October to December 2025 published by the Ministry of Justice show a significant increase in the number of claims being brought in the UK. The figures confirm a growing trend of workplace disputes and highlight increasing pressure on the tribunal system.
HR Horror: The Cursed Case of the Unfair Dismissal
Oct 2025
The paperwork is ready, the conversation is planned and you believe the matter will soon be behind you. But just when you think it’s over, an unexpected email arrives from the shadows. An unfair dismissal claim has risen from the depths and suddenly your once straightforward decision feels like the beginning of a horror story.
Hosting a Halloween Spook-tacular? Beware of HR Frights!
Oct 2025
As October draws to a close, many workplaces are eager to embrace the Halloween spirit. But, while themed events can boost morale and give employees a welcome break from the day-to-day routine it’s worth remembering that even the most well-intentioned festivities can create unexpected HR - or even legal - frights.
Halloween HR Horror: The operational nightmare of everyone on leave at once!
Oct 2025
As Halloween approaches, there can be nothing scarier than operational nightmares like this: It’s your busiest time of year, phones are ringing off the hook, deadlines are looming and suddenly, but it seems everyone has disappeared. So what can you do to help avoid your workplace resembling a ghost town?
The Haunting of Hormones Hill: A Menopause Awareness Month Special
Oct 2025
October isn’t just the season of pumpkins and ghouls, it’s also Menopause Awareness Month. It’s also a great chance for employers to remind themselves of some of the guidance which has been set out to help employees feel supported – and avoid being left out in the cold.
How will the Budget announcement affect employers?
Nov 2024
It was predicted that the Budget would be jam packed being the first Labour Budget in 14 years - and there was certainly plenty in store for the employment sector. Here we look at some of the key changes that were outlined and how employers might be affected.
It’s time to take action – the new duty on employers to prevent sexual harassment
Oct 2024
It seems in recent years, unfortunately, that we have never been far from the next high profile case involving allegations of sexual abuse in the workplace. Last month allegations of widespread historical sexual abuse of female workers at Harrods by its former owner, Mohamed al Fayed, came to light during a BBC investigation. A year ago the fast food giant McDonald’s admitted it was receiving up to two sexual harassment claims every week.
Q&A: Can I ask my employer to go home if office temperatures are too high?
Aug 2024
I work in an old office building that has no air con and the open windows offer very little in the way of relief. One of my colleagues told me that they are aware of a legal obligation, that our employer has to allow us to go home if it is too hot to work.
Is this true? What are my rights and can I make a request to my employer that I can go home if temperatures get too high?
Direct vs indirect discrimination: do you know the difference?
May 2024
Seasonal hiring has begun and if you are one of the 1 million odd recruiters making plans to hire this summer make sure your well-meant job advertisement doesn’t land you in hot water.
Employment law updates - 6 April 2024
Apr 2024
As of 6 April 2024, employers must comply with some family-focussed changes to Employment law in the form of four key pieces of legislation.
Menopause and the law: employers need to start making changes – or face more women leaving the workforce
Feb 2024
Workplaces must now be seen to be making “reasonable adjustments” for women experiencing menopausal symptoms or face the possibility of being sued, under new guidance released by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).
When can you turn down a job offer in a redundancy situation?
Feb 2024
When there are proposed redundancies, your employer should commence individual consultation meetings with those affected. During the consultation process, they should consider suggestions on ways to avoid the redundancies, and look for suitable alternative employment options.
Don’t gift yourself a festive faux pas!
Nov 2023
The “work do”, “office Christmas party”, “a get-together for a few drinks”. Whatever you like to call it, if you’re not careful, the one outcome could be more than a sore head!
General tips for Employers - The Redundancy process
Jun 2023
As a result of the challenging economic climate, many employers are embarking on restructuring and redundancy exercises. Does this apply to you? Perhaps you are closing your business, closing a workplace or there is a reduction in the need for particular employees.
ACAS launches new mental health guidance for the workplace
May 2023
Employers are being urged to familiar themselves with new mental health guidance released by ACAS for better wellbeing at work.
Let's talk about Menopause in the work place - Interview with GWR (Great Western railway)
May 2023
In June 2022, the Employment Team at Downs Solicitors LLP, held a webinar discussing menopause in the workplace and emphasised that it was something that needed further recognition amongst employees and employers. If issues or concerns are not addressed in the right way, some instances could lead to an Employment Tribunal case.
Business insolvencies hit record highs
Apr 2023
The number of businesses going into liquidation has been climbing steadily since late 2022 and have hit record high levels this year – even more so than during the pandemic. But, what is it that is driving this rise in insolvency?
Non-competition restrictions in employment contracts
Apr 2023
It is common to see employment contracts containing standard form non-compete clauses lasting for say 12 months after the employment ends – i.e. provisions aimed purely at preventing employees, after termination, from working for any competing business. Restrictions expressed in this general way are always likely to be unenforceable.
Employers - are you aware of changes starting in April?
Apr 2023
It’s going to be a busy year in the world of employment law, as several significant changes come into play from 6th April this year, affecting things like maternity pay, sick leave and redundancies, so make sure you’re aware of the new rules.
Menopause in the workplace: Interview with GWR
Mar 2023
In June 2022, the Employment Team at Downs Solicitors LLP, held a webinar discussing menopause in the workplace and emphasised that it was something that needed further recognition amongst employees and employers. If issues or concerns are not addressed in the right way, some instances could lead to an Employment Tribunal case
Firing and Re-Hiring – Consultation Document
Feb 2023
The government has published for consultation a draft Code of Practice, prepared by ACAS, relating to the circumstances in which an employer contemplates dismissing employees and offering to re-engage them (or new replacement employees) on different contractual terms.
BeReal - employees need to be on their guard
Oct 2022
Despite ongoing efforts, data breaches are still far too common, particularly as the world becomes geared up towards digital alternatives - and social media is constantly under the spotlight. As large pools of people rush to put sensitive information online, can we really say we're doing all we can to protect ourselves and what are social platforms doing to help?
Part Time Workers and Holiday Pay
Jul 2022
A decision of the Supreme Court issued on 20 July 2022 has attracted a lot of publicity.
Contrary to the impression given by some of the coverage, the key issue in the case was the amount of holiday pay which should be paid to a worker who only works on certain weeks of the year.
Have you had your working from home request refused?
Jun 2022
According to a study from the Trade Union Congress (TUC) many workplaces are now viewing remote or hybrid working as permanent fixtures. While homeworking is not a given if requested, employers should give a good reason if they refuse it.
Menopause discrimination cases are on the rise - it’s time to act
Jun 2022
Employment tribunals involving menopause increased by 44% in 2021, as women claim their employers are not taking reasonable enough measures to support them. Now is the time for employers to act and start implementing guidance for women, but also raise awareness in the workplace in general.
It's time for a culture change this mental health week
May 2022
From 9th - 15th May it is Mental Health Week, so there's never been a better time to think about the wellbeing of others. With 1 in 4 people experiencing a mental health problem each year in England, it's important that discussions continue to open up - especially when it comes to tackling issues relating to mental health at work.
Hot Desking Policy - What you need to know
May 2022
This Hot Desking Policy outlines guidelines for allocating working spaces among employees on an ad hoc and temporary basis. As a company, by hot desking we are able to save space and costs when employees use desks at different times, depending on their working pattern. The company has established guidelines set out in this policy to ensure that hot desking, or desk sharing, works efficiently.
COVID – 19 in the workplace
Apr 2022
New guidance recently issued by HSE, UKHSA and the ICO signals a relaxation of COVID -19 restrictions with the workplace going through a transition process to return it to pre-pandemic times. However, whilst most will be relieved to see life return to something close to “normal”, the risk of infection has not completely vanished, which means that everyone shares some responsibility to reduce the risk of spreading infections. Under the new advice, COVID-19’s significance is downgraded. The new goal is to reduce the spread of any respiratory infection, which includes COVID -19.
Performance Development Reviews – Key Points for Employers
Apr 2022
Every year, companies have the arduous task of carrying out performance development reviews for the staff.
The process is often incredibly stressful for both managers and their employees by adding another task on their “to-do” list, but the Performance Development Review should be seen as a highly rewarding interaction by both.
Performance Development Reviews are there to provide the opportunity to reflect upon an employee’s overall performance against their individual development plan agreed at the previous review.
Here are some questions employers should consider to facilitate a more engaging, effective, and beneficial performance development review process for all involved.
Employment Law Changes April 2022
Apr 2022
We take a look at the Employment Law Changes that come into force on 1 April 2022.
How did the Spring Statement affect the employment sector?
Mar 2022
The Spring Statement that is fast becoming known as the “is that it?” statement certainly could have been worse. But, the tone was set right at the start as Chancellor Rishi Sunak reminded us of the grim backdrop of the war in Ukraine in amongst a slower-than-planned recovery post-pandemic. While many said not enough was done to help struggling families, businesses too look to be baring an ongoing struggle.
Spring Statement is the chance for Sunak to step up
Mar 2022
The country really is in quite a predicament. The cost of living is skyrocketing, taxes have been raised to their highest point in 70 years, thousands of pounds are being added to heating bills and more people than ever are facing the choice between eating and heating.
What does “Living With Covid” mean for employers?
Feb 2022
The Government has now released plans as to how society needs to move forward from the Covid-19 pandemic, including the relaxation of isolation rules and charging for covid testing. But what will it mean for employers?
Company Directors: The Problems caused by Informality and Lack of Records
Feb 2022
A recent case in the Employment Appeal Tribunal illustrates the type of dispute that is so often seen within small companies, frequently but not always family-owned ones. Such disputes occur where there is a complete lack of documentation recording the nature of the relationship between the directors and the company.
High Court Injunction prevents Tesco from “firing and re-hiring”
Feb 2022
In a judgment published yesterday the High Court granted an injunction to the USDAW trade union acting on behalf of Tesco workers.
Vaccination status controversy reaches new levels after JLP says it will pay staff regardless
Jan 2022
As Plan B restrictions lift in the UK once again, there’s been a few headlines surfacing about how employers are treating unvaccinated staff - and it’s a bit of a legal minefield.
Menopause and the workplace: Updated guidance is on the way
Jan 2022
In a world where we are increasingly aware of our health and safety, where covid has taught us to look after ourselves and others, it feels like now is the right time to be turning our attention to something that is long overdue - how do you manage staff sickness for menopause symptoms?
Holiday Entitlement and Holiday Pay – Key points for Employers
Jan 2022
Holiday entitlement and pay is a notoriously difficult area for HR practitioners. Typical challenges include calculating holiday entitlement for casual or zero hours workers, accounting for bank holidays for part-time staff and trying to keep up with the constantly evolving case law regarding what aspects of employee remuneration are deemed “normal pay” and therefore must be included in holiday pay. We summarise the main questions and answers below. However, legal advice should always be taken on a specific scenario. The below should only be treated as guidance.
Grievance Procedure – Key points for Employers
Jan 2022
Most employee grievances can be resolved quickly and informally through discussions between the employee and a manager. Where that doesn’t work, the employee may raise a formal grievance and employers should have a written grievance procedure in place that explains what happens and which staff know about.
IKEA cuts sick pay for unvaccinated staff who are self-isolating due to Covid exposure
Jan 2022
A significant social media backlash followed the announcement by IKEA that only staff fully vaccinated against Covid-19, or those who have mitigating circumstances, will receive enhanced company sick pay in the future when self-isolating due to Covid-19 exposure
Disciplinary Procedure – Key points for Employers
Jan 2022
A Disciplinary Procedure is a framework for managers to use to maintain satisfactory standards of conduct and, where necessary, encourage improvement and/or issue formal warnings
Can staff who are afraid of catching Covid-19 refuse to return to work in the office?
Jan 2022
Is fear of Covid -19 a protected belief under the Equality Act 2010?
The Manchester Employment Tribunal has recently held that employees cannot use a fear of catching Covid-19 as a reason not to return to working from the office on grounds that it is a philosophical belief protected by the Equality Act.
Sunak support provides welcome boost to hospitality
Dec 2021
The Chancellor has revealed a package of support worth £1bn to help fund businesses hit by the latest rise in Covid-19 cases.
Sick Absence and Fit Notes: Temporary New Rules
Dec 2021
Some temporary regulations affecting sick absence were published on 16 December 2021 and came into force on 17 December 2021.
Can my employer refuse my request for Christmas holiday?
Dec 2021
My employer has just declined my leave request for some time off over Christmas. The reason they gave was that others had already put their requests in before me and that it would leave them short staffed. I feel this is unfair as I only joined the company recently - is their refusal legal?
‘Tis the season – for a sickie?
Dec 2021
Yes, it’s that time of year again; the flu season. Add the Covid-19 virus into the mix and employers can soon find themselves in the middle of a “sickie” epidemic. But what can you do if you think your employees are just in need of a duvet day?
What do the government restrictions mean for employers and employees? Can your Christmas parties still go ahead?
Dec 2021
Further to the arrival of the new Omicron variant of Covid-19, which is said to be "spreading faster than Delta”, Boris Johnson has re-introduced restrictions saying, “It’s now the proportionate and the responsible thing to move to Plan B.”
New rules could mean requests for flexible working are granted on the first day of a new job
Sep 2021
Life after Lockdown - Returning to the office
Jul 2021
At the press conference on the 5th July, the Prime Minister announced the relaxation of the regulations on the 19th July subject to a review of the latest data on the 12th July. If the regulations are relaxed, then employees will be able to return to the office on the 19th July.
With the latest Government advice - Do I still need work from home?
Jun 2021
The Government’s roadmap identified that until England reached Step 4 of the Roadmap, employees should work from home where they can. As we are aware Step 4 has been delayed from 21stJune to 19thJuly 2021 and therefore, employers should continue with home working wherever possible until the 19thJuly.
Changing an employee’s terms and conditions is challenging both from a legal and trust perspective.
Jun 2021
British Gas has been in the media over recent weeks due to the “fire and rehire” approach with their employees.
What are restrictive covenants and why do I need them?
May 2021
I own a start-up which grew very quickly and a few years ago I hired in a couple of senior personnel to help run the business. After 5 years, one of these senior hires is now leaving the business and going to a company which isn’t a direct competitor but operates in a very similar field.
Do you need to offer enhanced shared parental leave pay?
Apr 2021
When shared parental leave was introduced in 2015, one of the concerns was whether an employer would need to offer enhanced shared parental leave pay if the employer provided enhanced adoption and/or maternity leave pay.
Domestic Abuse in the Workplace
Mar 2021
The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy undertook a report into domestic abuse and the workplace. The report identified that the number of domestic abuse cases had increased during the pandemic and that 1 in 5 victims of domestic abuse had time off work. Sadly, research found that few employers were able to identify the signs of domestic abuse and/or had policies or procedures available to help support survivors.
The Spring Budget 2021: A Summary
Mar 2021
As the UK eagerly tuned in to the most anticipated Budget for a generation, many were left wondering what the Chancellor’s traditional “rabbit out of a hat” might contain - especially as several big measures had been announced beforehand.
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Uber Drivers are workers and not self-employed, Supreme Court rules
Feb 2021
19 February 2021. The UK Supreme Court has issued its judgment in the highly anticipated case of Uber BV v Aslam, in which the key issue was the employment status of Uber drivers. The ruling reinforced the findings of earlier legal challenges (most recently the Court of Appeal in 2018), which found that Uber drivers are workers and not self-employed.
Coronavirus and Sick Pay
Feb 2021
As new variants of the coronavirus are emerging and the pandemic continues, employees will continue to take sick leave due to testing positive for the coronavirus and/or being required to self-isolate.
Can I force my staff to have the Covid Vaccination?
Feb 2021
Recent news reports indicate that some employers are considering making it compulsory for their staff to have a Covid vaccination. Is this a lawful, or even sensible, move by employers?
Caring for your employee’s mental health
Jan 2021
The WHO defines good mental health as: “a state of wellbeing in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stress of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
Millions of UK workers to receive increase in pay from April 2021
Jan 2021
In April of each year, the Government increases statutory payments that are payable to workers and employees.
Working from home - where do you stand?
Jan 2021
Under new government guidance, you should work from home if you can effectively do so. However, some employers may ask their employees to return to work whilst restrictions are in place - particularly if it is not reasonable to carry out that work at home. For those who are concerned about health problems, or juggling childcare, where do you stand in the eyes of the law?
What the new lockdown means for businesses, employees and workers
Jan 2021
The third lockdown in England legally came into force on 6 January 2021. How long it will last is uncertain. At least until mid-February and possibly until late March. Vaccination provides a route out of the pandemic, but businesses need to survive this final and possibly longest of the lockdowns.
We are open
Jan 2021
During these uncertain times, it is good to know you can count on us.
Even after the recent Government announcement of another national lockdown we remain open for business and are here to help you.
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Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Extended Until March 2021
Nov 2020
On Thursday 5 November 2020, the Chancellor announced that the furlough scheme is to be extended until the end of March 2021. During this period you will be able to claim up to 80% of an Employees salary up to a cap of £2500.
Coronavirus Update - CJRS Extended
Nov 2020
The Chancellor announced over the weekend that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) that was due to end on 31st October will be extended until 2nd December. The level of support available under the extended scheme will mirror that of what was available under the CJRS in August, with the Government paying 80% of wages up to a cap of £2,500.
Chancellor announces changes to the Job Support Scheme
Oct 2020
The Chancellor announced on Thursday 22 October that the Government contribution to employers’ wage costs under the Job Support Scheme (JSS) will be increased. Employers will be expected to pay 5% of the cost of unworked hours instead of the 33% originally announced.
Coronavirus Update - CJRS Bonus - Are you eligible?
Oct 2020
Back in the summer the Chancellor announced that employers could receive a one-off payment of £1,000 for every employee who had previously been furloughed under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme provided they remained continuously employed to the end of January 2021. Businesses will be able to claim the Job Retention Bonus from 15 February 2021 and the Government has stated that further guidance will be provided by the end of January 2021.
Coronavirus Update - Jobs Support Scheme announced
Sep 2020
With new government guidance on Covid coming into force today and the current furlough scheme coming to an end next month, as expected, the Chancellor has today announced a new scheme to help businesses.
Latest government Covid measures re-introduce work from home message
Sep 2020
As Covid-19 cases continue to climb, the UK faces ever tougher restrictions. But, with the furlough scheme winding down, what rights do employers and employees have when returning to work?
What could the UK jobs market look like after the furlough scheme comes to an end?
Sep 2020
The Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), was launched by the Government in March to protect people's jobs and help keep businesses steady.
The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme – More Questions Than Answers
Mar 2020
On Friday 20 March 2020, the government announced the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to help stem the tide of employees being laid off without pay or made redundant in the current crisis.
Government support for businesses during COVID-19
Mar 2020
The sudden medical epidemic of the coronavirus has caused businesses to face sudden financial difficulties due to the significant reduction in customers and revenue. The government has put in the place the following measures to try to help businesses through this challenging time.
Coronavirus Update - Government announcement to pay wages
Mar 2020
On Friday 20 March Chancellor Rishi Sunakt announced it would pay 80% of salaries for staff who are kept on by their employer.
The Chancellor announced that employers could apply to HMRC for a payment from the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to pay 80% of their employees wages up to £2500 per month.
Online isolation notes launched - Coronavirus
Mar 2020
Isolation notes will provide employees with evidence for their employers that they have been advised to self-isolate due to coronavirus, either because they have symptoms or they live with someone who has symptoms, and so cannot work.
COVID-19/Coronavirus – Helpful information for Employers
Mar 2020
Advice regarding Coronavirus and the response by Government and other agencies to it will be regularly updated. Rather than recycle their information, we have signposted the important links below and we provide some general best practice advice for employers.
Barclays backtracks in privacy row over worker surveillance project
Feb 2020
Barclays Bank has withdrawn a system that monitored employees’ computers, tracking individual working patterns and how much time each day was spent on breaks. Details of the pilot project came to light after a Barclays whistle blower reported it to a newspaper.
New contract terms affecting all new employees and workers to come into force on April 6 2020
Feb 2020
From 6 April 2020 there will be changes to the minimum written terms that must be provided to employees AND the timing of when these terms must be provided to them. These terms are known as Section 1 statements, referring to Section 1 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 (ERA).
The Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay Regulations set to come into force on 6 April 2020
Feb 2020
Downs Solicitors is pleased to play a small part in helping to raise awareness of a new and important piece of employment law that is coming into force in April 2020. The Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay Regulations will be known as Jack’s Law. This is in memory of Jack Herd who died in 2010 and whose mother, Lucy, has campaigned tirelessly ever since for mandatory leave for grieving parents.
What could work look like in 2020?
Jan 2020
One of the big focuses in recent years has been on flexible working and how it has changed the concept of a “normal” working day. From challenging the norms of 9-5 working to commuting time counting as working time, there’s no doubt that the new decade could bring a new shape of working – but what does that mean for business leaders and their HR teams?
How might the decision to make ethical veganism a philosophical belief affect employers?
Jan 2020
Jordi Casamitjana was dismissed in 2018 by The League Against Cruel sports for gross misconduct. Mr Casamitjana, an ethical vegan, claims that his dismissal came after telling colleagues that their employer’s pension fund was being invested in companies involved in animal testing. His solicitors claimed that the decision to dismiss was made because of his beliefs around ethical veganism.
Workers’ Rights – What the main parties are saying in their election manifestos
Nov 2019
With the General Election looming on 12th December what are the main parties saying in their election manifesto's on workers' rights. David Seals, Head of Employment, takes a look at the key messages.
Time to call for further workplace flexibility
Oct 2019
Whilst many see flexible working as an opportunity to juggle a work life balance more successfully, a lot of work needs to be done around overall wellbeing for the employee – and ways in which the employer can help facilitate that.
Stress in the workplace
Jul 2019
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), stress, depression and anxiety were the main factors for time off work in 2017/18, equating to 15.4 million working days lost.
