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

IR35 Determination for Hiring Contractors in the UK
If you hire contractors through their own limited companies (often called “PSCs”), you need to be confident about your IR35 determination. Getting status right is crucial - it affects who pays Income...

Status Determination Statements (SDS) Under IR35 Explained
If you engage contractors through their own limited companies (PSCs), you’ve probably heard about IR35 and the requirement to issue a Status Determination Statement (SDS). It can feel complex at first glance,...

Constructive Dismissal Resignation Letters in the UK: Employer Tips
If an employee resigns and claims “constructive dismissal” in their resignation letter, it can feel like the floor has dropped out from under you. The stakes are real - there’s a risk...

Employment Compromise Agreements (Settlement Agreements) in the UK
Ending an employment relationship is sometimes the right move for both sides - but if it’s not handled carefully, it can create legal risk, costs and distraction for your business. That’s where...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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?...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...
Need help with your business legals?
Speak with Sprintlaw to get practical legal support and fixed-fee options tailored to your business.

