Managing employees/workers
This guide has been reviewed and updated with further detail, including confirmation that permitted weekly working hours must not be averaged out and further detail on managing working hour restrictions for research students without clearly defined vacation periods.
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.
Updated with data from the Brightmine Sickness absence rates and management research 2026 detailing what metrics organisations use to measure absence.
The Scottish Government has announced an extra national bank holiday on 15 June 2026 to commemorate the men’s football team’s participation in the World Cup. If you are uncertain about whether your organisation must grant employees the day off, see What is an employee's holiday entitlement if an extra bank holiday is granted one year?
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.
Sickness absence is a key workforce metric, providing insight into employee health, organisational pressures and the effectiveness of absence management practices. We present the latest data on absence rates and underlying drivers, alongside insight into absence management practices and employer responses to statutory sick pay reform.
Updated to include new information on temporary employment agency work in Germany.
The government has opened a consultation on measures in the Employment Rights Act that will prevent the misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in cases of workplace harassment and discrimination.
The Government has published a call for evidence to inform future reform of the TUPE Regulations. Employers can contribute to the call for evidence, providing information on any issues they have experienced with the TUPE process
There are no recent updates to highlight.
HR and legal information and guidance relating to managing employees/workers.