Managing employees/workers
This is your overview of employment law developments that are in the pipeline, where you can learn what's happening, what might be happening and what isn't happening, as well as how you can start preparing for upcoming changes.
HR professionals in the UK face some unique challenges and employment issues in the summer of 2026. These include increased uncertainty over workers' annual leave plans because of world events; public transport disruption leading to attendance issues; and a heatwave meaning that employers should monitor workplace temperatures to ensure that they do not become unreasonable. It is also a World Cup year, which brings its own specific problems around absence, holiday and conduct.
Workplace grievances written with the assistance of generative AI are on the rise, increasing the pressure on HR departments and line managers. Katherine Pope offers guidance to help employers deal fairly and efficiently with lengthy, legal citation-rich documents that sometimes obscure rather than reveal the core issues.
Employers are likely to see a significant amount of interest among their workforces in the World Cup 2026, so they should plan ahead to make the most of the impact that this large sporting event can have on staff morale, while also aiming to minimise disruption.
Return to work meetings are central to absence management, but they're not the only tool employers rely on. Drawing on insights from HR professionals at the Brightmine sick pay and absence webinar, we explore the practical tools organisations use to manage absence effectively, and why both consistency and flexibility matter.
The cancellation of thousands of flights and the closure of airspace in the Middle East are having an impact on the workplace, particularly when employees are left stranded or their holiday plans are affected. How should employers tackle workplace issues arising from the flight disruptions caused by the US and Israel's war with Iran?
In April 2026, HR professionals face the challenge of dealing with business-as-usual employment law changes, such as increases in statutory maternity, paternity and sick pay, while also dealing with a raft of major changes introduced by the Employment Rights Act 2025. We look at what HR needs to do to meet its employment law obligations this spring.
The Employment Rights Act 2025 packs an imposing number of employment law reforms into its 289 pages.
Are employees entitled to extra pay for working on bank holidays? What does an employer do if an employee refuses to work on a bank holiday? How should bank holidays be managed for part-time employees? We explain how to deal with some of the most common issues public holidays can raise.
As you set objectives for the coming year, seize the opportunity to move beyond traditional checklists and redefine high performance for your teams. By widening your lens, you lay the groundwork for a more innovative and resilient organisation in the months to come.
Commentary and insights: HR and legal information and guidance relating to managing employees/workers.