Employment Law Articles

Expert articles and practical legal guides on employment law for uk businesses.

Summary Dismissal Meaning in the UK: When It’s Lawful and How to Do It

Summary Dismissal Meaning in the UK: When It’s Lawful and How to Do It

If a situation at work escalates quickly, you may feel you need to end an employee’s employment on the spot. That’s where “summary dismissal” comes in - but it’s also where many...

21 October 2025
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How To Sell a Small Business in the UK: Legal Steps

How To Sell a Small Business in the UK: Legal Steps

Thinking about selling a small business? It’s a big decision - and a great opportunity to realise the value you’ve built. Whether you want to retire, pivot to a new venture or...

21 October 2025
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Zero Hours Contract Template In The UK: Key Terms And Lawful Use

Zero Hours Contract Template In The UK: Key Terms And Lawful Use

Need a flexible way to cover peaks, last‑minute bookings or seasonal demand? A well-drafted zero hours contract can give your business the agility it needs without locking you into fixed staffing costs....

21 October 2025
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Employee Share Scheme In The UK: What Employers Should Know

Employee Share Scheme In The UK: What Employers Should Know

Thinking about sharing equity with your team? A well-designed employee share scheme can help you attract great people, boost retention and align everyone around growth. The challenge, of course, is getting the...

21 October 2025
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How To Sell A Business In The UK: Structures, Steps And Documents

How To Sell A Business In The UK: Structures, Steps And Documents

Thinking about selling your business is a big moment. You’ve put in the work, built something valuable and now it’s time to realise that value - without losing sleep over legal risks....

21 October 2025
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Probationary Periods in the UK: What Employers Need to Know

Probationary Periods in the UK: What Employers Need to Know

Hiring is exciting - but it’s also a risk. A well-run probationary period helps you confirm whether a new starter can actually do the job, fits your culture and understands your standards....

21 October 2025
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How Long Should You Keep Ex-Employee Records In The UK?

How Long Should You Keep Ex-Employee Records In The UK?

If you’ve had staff leave your business, you’ll be sitting on a stack of paperwork and HR files. The big question: how long should you keep ex-employee records in the UK without...

21 October 2025
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Ask A Lawyer: How To Get Fast, Useful Legal Answers In The UK

Ask A Lawyer: How To Get Fast, Useful Legal Answers In The UK

Running a small business means constant decisions. Most are quick and practical, but some carry legal, tax or reputational risk. That’s when it pays to ask a lawyer early - a short...

21 October 2025
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What Does “Without Prejudice” Mean in the UK?

What Does “Without Prejudice” Mean in the UK?

If you’re negotiating a dispute or trying to settle a claim, you’ve probably seen the phrase “without prejudice” at the top of letters or emails. Used correctly, it can keep your settlement...

21 October 2025
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Social Responsibility in Business: Legal Essentials

Social Responsibility in Business: Legal Essentials

Most small businesses want to “do the right thing” - for customers, staff, suppliers and the community. That’s essentially what people mean by social responsibility in business. But what does that look...

20 October 2025
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Online Lawyer UK: Fast, Practical Legal Help Without The Hassle

Online Lawyer UK: Fast, Practical Legal Help Without The Hassle

Running a business is fast-paced. When you need legal help, you don’t always have time to book a traditional meeting, wait weeks and then work through piles of paperwork. That’s where an...

20 October 2025
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Redundancy Timeline: How Long Does It Take In The UK?

Redundancy Timeline: How Long Does It Take In The UK?

Planning a redundancy is never easy. As a small employer, you’re juggling people, workloads and budgets - and you’re probably also wondering how long the redundancy process will take and what a...

19 October 2025
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IR35 and Off-Payroll Working: Rules, Risks and What to Do

IR35 and Off-Payroll Working: Rules, Risks and What to Do

If you work with contractors or plan to, IR35 (also called the off‑payroll working rules) needs to be on your radar. The rules can shift payroll tax responsibility onto the business paying...

19 October 2025
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Can You Rescind An Employee’s Resignation In The UK?

Can You Rescind An Employee’s Resignation In The UK?

If an employee hands in their notice and then asks to take it back, it can put you in a tricky spot. Do you have to let them stay? Can you refuse?...

19 October 2025
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Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) Disadvantages In The UK

Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) Disadvantages In The UK

Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) have become a popular way for founders to exit while protecting their business legacy and rewarding staff. The headline benefits are compelling - potential 0% Capital Gains Tax...

18 October 2025
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Due Diligence In Mergers And Acquisitions: What To Look For

Due Diligence In Mergers And Acquisitions: What To Look For

Thinking about buying another business or selling your own? Due diligence in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is the research phase that protects you from nasty surprises and sets the deal up for...

18 October 2025
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What Is A Reasonable Settlement Agreement In The UK?

What Is A Reasonable Settlement Agreement In The UK?

Whether you’re dealing with a performance issue, a redundancy situation, or simply want a clean and amicable exit, a settlement agreement can be a smart way to draw a line under potential...

18 October 2025
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Company Share Schemes in the UK: Key Options and Tax Rules

Company Share Schemes in the UK: Key Options and Tax Rules

Thinking about offering a company share scheme to attract and retain great people? You’re not alone. For many UK small businesses and startups, employee share schemes are a smart way to reward...

18 October 2025
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How UK Employers Can Use Compromise (Settlement) Agreements Lawfully

How UK Employers Can Use Compromise (Settlement) Agreements Lawfully

Sometimes the fairest, cleanest way to bring an employment relationship to a close is by agreement - not via a drawn-out process or a tribunal battle. That’s where a compromise agreement (now...

18 October 2025
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Is Working 70 Hours A Week Legal In The UK?

Is Working 70 Hours A Week Legal In The UK?

If your business is growing fast or operating around the clock, you might be wondering where the legal lines are on long hours. Is working 70 hours a week legal in the...

17 October 2025
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Second Consultation Meeting for Redundancy in the UK

Second Consultation Meeting for Redundancy in the UK

If you’re planning redundancies, you already know the stakes are high. Getting your consultation process right is what separates a fair, defensible redundancy from an avoidable tribunal claim. Many employers ask: do...

17 October 2025
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Can A Sole Trader Have Employees In The UK?

Can A Sole Trader Have Employees In The UK?

Thinking about taking on your first employee as a sole trader? Good news - you absolutely can. Hiring staff is a big milestone and often the quickest way to grow your capacity,...

17 October 2025
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Four Day Working Week In The UK: Legal Steps And Risks

Four Day Working Week In The UK: Legal Steps And Risks

The four day working week keeps popping up in board meetings and team chats - and for good reason. From attracting talent to boosting focus, many SMEs are testing shorter weeks. But...

16 October 2025
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Business Exit Strategy: Steps And Options

Business Exit Strategy: Steps And Options

Whether you’re aiming to sell at a strong valuation, hand the reins to a successor, or simply wind down on your terms, a clear business exit strategy is essential. The right plan...

16 October 2025
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