United Kingdom: Employment Litigation/ Tribunals

The UK employment law landscape is undergoing major transformation in 2026-2027, with sweeping changes to unfair dismissal protections, tribunal time limits, and workplace access rights. From reducing qualifying periods for dismissal claims to extending right-to-work checks and granting trade unions new access powers, employers face a complex web of compliance challenges that demand immediate attention and strategic preparation.

Major workplace reforms are set to transform UK employment law between 2026 and 2027, introducing sweeping changes to union rights, dismissal protections, and employee benefits. From electronic union ballots to extended tribunal claim periods and enhanced harassment prevention duties, employers face a comprehensive overhaul of their HR practices and policies. Understanding these changes and preparing strategic responses will be critical for organizations to maintain compliance and manage increased legal exp

Next's appeal of a landmark equal pay ruling provides crucial clarification on when market forces can justify pay differences between predominantly male and female workforces. The Employment Appeal Tribunal's decision offers important guidance for employers navigating equal pay claims, particularly in the retail sector where similar cases are pending.

This edition of the Need to Know employment law newsletter examines three critical developments: Acas's fully revised draft Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures...

A recent Employment Tribunal decision highlights the risks for employers who pay sponsored overseas workers more than UK-based colleagues doing the same work. The case demonstrates that immigration compliance alone may not justify pay disparities, and employers must be prepared to evidence their rationale and consider less discriminatory alternatives.

The Fair Work Agency represents a significant shift in UK employment law enforcement, consolidating multiple regulatory bodies under one roof. With powers to inspect workplaces, issue penalties, and bring tribunal proceedings, this new agency fundamentally changes how employment rights are enforced and what compliance means for businesses operating in Britain.

This briefing examines three recent court cases that challenge conventional approaches to post-termination restrictions, revealing critical vulnerabilities in how employers draft non-competes, training clawback clauses, and group company protections. The analysis explores when these restrictions cross the line from legitimate business protection into unenforceable restraint of trade, with particular focus on probationary periods, indirect restrictions through repayment schemes...

The EAT has upheld a seven-figure award against an employer which did not properly conclude collective bargaining before making a direct pay offer to its workforce.

Many employees reach a point where the working relationship has broken down and staying feels impossible. In the right circumstances, you may be able to ask for a settlement agreement and negotiate a clean exit.