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- Date:
- 1 June 2026
- Type:
- Commentary and insights
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.
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- Date:
- 29 May 2026
- Type:
- News
The Government has pledged to overhaul the "broken" fit note system, beginning with pilots in four different areas. Through the pilots, patients will be offered either an initial fit note from a GP and then referred to community health workers, or the option to be supported by a separate service staffed by clinical and non-clinical practitioners.
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- Type:
- Employment law guide
The Government has published the results of its Call for Evidence on fit note reform. HR should be alert to the progress of pilots that are looking at potential next steps for reform.
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- Date:
- 28 April 2026
- Type:
- Commentary and insights
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.
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- Type:
- How to
Updated with data from the Brightmine Sickness absence rates and management research 2026 detailing what metrics organisations use to measure absence.
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- Date:
- 23 April 2026
- Type:
- Commentary and insights
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.
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- Date:
- 23 April 2026
- Type:
- Survey analysis
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.
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- Type:
- FAQs
To be eligible for statutory sick pay (SSP), an employee must have performed some work for the employer under their employment contract ...
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- Type:
- How to
From 6 April 2026, the Employment Rights Act 2025 removes the three-day waiting period for eligibility for SSP. Employers no longer need to consider whether waiting days apply where the employee has intermittent pregnancy-related absence.
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- Type:
- How to
From 6 April 2026, the Employment Rights Act 2025 removes the three-day waiting period and minimum earnings requirement for eligibility for statutory sick pay. This guide has been updated to reflect the new rules.