Why the UK employment tribunal time limit now runs to six months

Why the UK employment tribunal time limit now runs to six months

From 1 October 2026, most UK employment tribunal claims move from three months less a day to six months less a day under the Employment Rights Act 2025. Early Conciliation with Acas still pauses the clock. This guide explains which claims are covered, how to calculate deadlines, the transitional picture, and the practical steps employers should take now. It links to authoritative sources, shows how ethical employers can use the extra time to resolve issues, and offers support from Specialised HR.

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Employment Law is Changing for UK Employers Handling Disciplinary and Grievance Issues

Employment Law is Changing for UK Employers Handling Disciplinary and Grievance Issues

Acas is consulting on updates to the Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures. Tribunals use this Code to judge fairness and can uplift awards by up to 25% for unreasonable non compliance. This article explains what may change, how that affects unfair dismissal and grievance risks, and the steps UK employers should take now. You’ll get a practical timeline, a compliance checklist, and links to trusted sources so you can prepare with confidence.

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Safer Recruitment – Supervision Exemption Has Ended

Safer Recruitment – Supervision Exemption Has Ended

From September 2026, the supervision exemption has been removed, redefining regulated activity and tightening checks in schools and early years. Volunteers who teach, train, instruct or supervise will often need Enhanced DBS with barred list checks. EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) onboarding becomes stricter, with no starts before clearances are received. This guide explains the changes, links to authoritative sources, and sets out a practical, ethical plan for compliance that protects children and supports volunteers and staff.

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How to Calculate Benefits and Entitlements for Zero‑Hours Employees

How to Calculate Benefits and Entitlements for Zero‑Hours Employees

Zero hours contracts can be fair and compliant when you calculate entitlements correctly. This practical UK guide shows you how to work out holiday entitlement, holiday pay, sick pay, family leave, pensions, minimum wage and working time for zero hours employees. It includes step by step methods, 2024 holiday pay reforms, and links to official sources. If you need hands on help, Specialised HR supports ethical and sustainable organisations with clear, people first HR.

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How Ethical Organisations Can Handle Anonymous Whistleblower Disclosures

How Ethical Organisations Can Handle Anonymous Whistleblower Disclosures

Handling an anonymous whistleblowing disclosure is not about unmasking the person. Focus on the allegation, not the identity. UK law under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 protects workers who make protected disclosures. Follow a clear triage, document your steps, and investigate evidence-based lines of enquiry. Keep any suspected identity confidential on a strict need to know basis and avoid targeted searches to find the source. Use safe channels to invite further detail, and strengthen your policy and training for future reports.

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Unfair Dismissal Key Changes: An Employer Action Plan For 2026-27

Unfair Dismissal Key Changes: An Employer Action Plan For 2026-27

From 1st January 2027, ordinary unfair dismissal is set to change significantly. The qualifying period will reduce from two years to six months, with retrospective effect, and compensation caps will be removed. This guide for UK employers explains what the proposals mean, why July 2026 is the key cut-off for risk, and how to update probation, disciplinary and dismissal processes. You get a clear timeline, practical checklists, and links to Acas, the Employment Rights Act 1996, and Specialised HR services.

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Upcoming UK Employment Law Changes In 2026/27. An Employers Practical Guide:

Upcoming UK Employment Law Changes In 2026/27. An Employers Practical Guide:

Major UK employment law changes are approaching. Expect strengthened trade union access to workplaces, a proactive duty to prevent sexual harassment, potential third party harassment liability, and reforms to unfair dismissal rules. This guide explains what is confirmed, what is proposed, practical steps to take now, and a realistic timeline. We include legal sources, sector insights, and an action plan so ethical employers can stay compliant and protect people.

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Why the Employment Rights Bill will raise the bar on harassment prevention

Why the Employment Rights Bill will raise the bar on harassment prevention

UK employers already have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment under the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023. The Employment Rights Bill is expected to raise this to all reasonable steps and to place duties on third party harassment. This guide explains what the law says, what may change, how to evidence compliance, and how ethical organisations can turn compliance into culture change. Practical checklists, a 90 day plan, and sector tips included.

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TITLE: When Is The Right Time To Introduce A Mental Health First Aider In Your Organisation?

TITLE: When Is The Right Time To Introduce A Mental Health First Aider In Your Organisation?

UK employers are not legally required to appoint a dedicated mental health first aider. You must still assess mental health risks, meet first aid needs, and make reasonable adjustments where required. This guide explains the legal position, HSE guidance, when appointing mental health first aiders makes sense, and how to integrate them into a wider wellbeing strategy. It includes step-by-step advice, common pitfalls, and clear next steps for ethical employers.

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What UK Employers Must Do For Pregnant Workers In Extreme Heat

What UK Employers Must Do For Pregnant Workers In Extreme Heat

UK employers must assess and control heat risks for pregnant workers. That means a pregnancy-specific risk assessment, practical adjustments like cooler spaces, extra breaks and flexible hours, or suitable alternative work. If risks remain, suspend on full pay. This article covers the law, HSE guidance, equality protections, sector examples and a simple action plan tied to heat-health alerts. If you need hands-on support, Specialised HR can help create compliant, values-led policies and put them into practice.

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