Trade union reform is coming: what employers should prepare for before October 2026 From 30th October 2026, a significant package of UK trade union reforms is expected to reshape how employers engage with unions, representatives and workers. The changes are likely to affect much more than employment law compliance: they could require updates to onboarding, employee communications, workplace access processes, manager training and wider industrial relations strategy. In short, employers...

The way employers manage disciplinary and grievance issues could soon be changing. ACAS has launched a consultation on a revised Code of Practice for disciplinary and grievance procedures, the first significant update in more than 15 years. While the consultation is ongoing, the proposed changes give a clear indication of the direction of travel for workplace relations: encouraging employers to resolve issues earlier, improve communication and place greater emphasis on fair, proportionate and...

A recent Court of Appeal decision is a useful reminder for employers to check whether training cost repayment clauses in employment contracts are fair, proportionate and enforceable. The key message is simple: if a clause goes further than necessary to protect a genuine business interest, a court may strike it out entirely. If you're asking yourself questions like "Can my employer recover training fees from me?" or "my employer wants to deduct training fees from me" or as an organisation,...