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- Type:
- Employment law guide
The Scottish Government plans to introduce a Misogyny (Criminal Law) (Scotland) Bill to recognise misogyny as a distinct form of prejudice and abuse. The Bill is expected to be introduced during the 2026–2031 Scottish Parliament session. Draft Regulations have also been approved to make sex a protected characteristic under the Hate Crime and Public Order (Scotland) Act 2021. This change is expected to come into force on 5 April 2027.
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- Date:
- 24 September 2026
- Type:
- Podcasts and webinars
In this webinar, Brightmine editors Stephen Simpson and Zeba Sayed outline the final preparations employers need to make for the employment law changes taking effect in October 2026.
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- Type:
- Letters and forms
Use this model form to assess the risk of workers being exposed to: harassment related to a relevant protected characteristic (age, disability, gender reassignment (or transitioning), race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation); sexual harassment; and victimisation. This form also includes specific sections on third-party harassment risks.
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- Date:
- 21 September 2026
- Type:
- Commentary and insights
From 30 October 2026, the Employment Rights Act 2025 widens the sexual harassment prevention duty on employers to require them to take "all reasonable steps" to prevent sexual harassment of workers. As 30 October approaches, what should HR professionals be doing to ensure that their organisation is ready to comply with the expanded duty?
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- Date:
- 16 September 2026
- Type:
- Editor's choice
Updated to promote our 2026 Christmas and third-party harassment survey.
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- Date:
- 15 September 2026
- Type:
- Editor's choice
With the festive season on the horizon, this Brightmine survey explores approaches to Christmas and end-of-year celebrations, and the measures organisations are taking to prevent and respond to harassment at work-related social events - share your insights now!
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- Type:
- Employment law guide
Market-based recruitment and retention pressures can potentially justify pay differences (the "market forces" material factor defence), even in equal value claims. That is according to the hugely significant EAT decision for retailers in Next Retail Ltd and another v Thandi and others.
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- Date:
- 8 September 2026
- Type:
- News
Next has won a "landmark" legal victory in its long-running equal pay case after the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) said it was "not necessary" for it to justify not increasing mostly female retail workers' pay to the same level as warehouse workers who are predominantly men. The appeal judgment backed Next's position that it should not have to pay shop assistants and warehouse operatives the same amount of basic pay, where market and working conditions are very different.
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- Type:
- How to
Use our updated templates when reviewing your harassment policy and risk assessment in advance of the changes coming into force on 30 October 2026.
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- Type:
- Quick reference
Updated to include dates for November 2026 including Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, National Career Development Month, International Men's Day, UK Disability History Month, Transgender Day of Remembrance and International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.