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Business Law Library & Tracker

Employment & Workplace

Hiring, worker status, wages, holidays, policies and workplace conduct.

Sources last reviewed 10 Aug 2026

Main law guides

122

Acts, regulations and codes worth reading first

Topics

60

Plain-English clusters

Published case explainers

143

Selected cases with a business lesson

Tracked updates

13

New, amended & reviewed

Plain-English explainers, not legal advice. Use the linked official source for section-level detail, and get advice for your situation.

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Main laws

Main lawUnited Kingdom

Employment Act 2002

2002 c. 22

PriorityCurrent legislation7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLiquidation & RestructuringDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsWorkplace Investigations & Misconduct
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Agency Workers Regulations 2010

SI 2010/93

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & Workplace
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015

SI 2015/51

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Construction & TradesEmployment & WorkplaceContractors & Worker StatusWorkplace Health & SafetyCommercial Leases, Rent & OutgoingsConstruction Contracts & Payment
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002

SI 2002/2677

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWorkplace Health & SafetyEnvironmental Consents & WasteAnimals, Food & Agricultural Products
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969

UKPGA 1969 c 57

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWorkplace Health & SafetyFinancial Services, Credit & PaymentsInsurance Policies & Claims
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023

UKPGA 2023 c 33

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & Workplace
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Employment Rights Act 1996

UKPGA 1996 c 18

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceContractors & Worker StatusWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesPayroll Deductions & Minimum Standards
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Employment Rights Act 2025

2025 c. 36

PriorityPartly in force5 practical checks · checked 18 July 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDebt Recovery, Guarantees & SecurityTelecommunications, Media & Content
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Employment Tribunals Act 1996

UKPGA 1996 c 17

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceDisputes, Enforcement & Remedies
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Equality Act 2010

UKPGA 2010 c 15

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceConsumer Law & TradingAdvertising, Marketing & PromotionsEquality, Discrimination & Accessibility
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Fixed-term Employees (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2002

SI 2002/2034

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & Workplace
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

UKPGA 1974 c 37

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceContractors & Worker StatusWorkplace Health & Safety
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006

UKPGA 2006 c 13

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsEquality, Discrimination & Accessibility
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

SI 1999/3242

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWorkplace Health & Safety
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Maternity and Parental Leave etc. Regulations 1999

SI 1999/3312

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Main lawUnited Kingdom

National Minimum Wage Act 1998

UKPGA 1998 c 39

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceContractors & Worker StatusWages, Leave & PayrollDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesPayroll Deductions & Minimum Standards
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Act 2018

2018 c. 24

PriorityCurrent legislation7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceEmployment Contracts & PoliciesWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesRecords, Reporting & NotificationsWorkplace Investigations & Misconduct
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Part-time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000

SI 2000/1551

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceDismissal, Redundancy & Grievances
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Pensions Act 2008

UKPGA 2008 c 30

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceContractors & Worker StatusWages, Leave & Payroll
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013

SI 2013/1471

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory Compliance
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Shared Parental Leave Regulations 2014

SI 2014/3050

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceWages, Leave & Payroll
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015

UKPGA 2015 c 26

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Companies & StartupsEmployment & WorkplaceDirectors' Duties & Governance
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006

SI 2006/246

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceContracts & CommercialDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesBusiness Sales & Acquisitions
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Work and Families Act 2006

2006 c. 18

PriorityCurrent legislation7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollRecords, Reporting & Notifications
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Working Time Regulations 1998

SI 1998/1833

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceWages, Leave & PayrollPayroll Deductions & Minimum Standards
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007

2007 c. 19

PriorityCurrent legislation7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWorkplace Health & SafetyDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesTelecommunications, Media & Content
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998

UKPGA 1998 c 23

PriorityCurrent legislation5 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Employment & WorkplaceDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesWorkplace Investigations & Misconduct
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Health Act 2006

2006 c. 28

PriorityCurrent legislation9 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceRecords, Reporting & NotificationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesHealthcare & Regulated Professions
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Health and Safety (Offences) Act 2008

2008 c. 20

PriorityCurrent legislation7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceContractors & Worker StatusWorkplace Health & SafetyDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Main lawUnited Kingdom

Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023

2023 c. 20

PriorityCurrent legislation7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollLiquidation & RestructuringRecords, Reporting & Notifications

Tracker

  1. Case20 July 2026

    Force majeure and post-employment restraint cases added

    Businesses can use the cases to draft disruption workarounds expressly and tailor employee restraints to the interest and role that genuinely need protection.

    Contracts & CommercialEmployment & Workplace
  2. Commenced18 July 2026

    Employment Rights Act rollout reaches its 2026 implementation phase

    UK employers should use a dated implementation register. Payroll, family leave and redundancy changes are already relevant, while dismissal, guaranteed-hours and other reforms require preparation before later commencement dates.

    Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory Compliance
  3. New13 June 2026

    Flexible working request reforms added to the tracker

    Employers should review request forms, response templates, manager guidance and hybrid work policies so flexible working decisions are handled consistently and recorded properly.

    Employment & Workplace
  4. Amendment13 June 2026

    Sexual harassment prevention duty tracked under the Equality Act

    Employers should check anti-harassment training, reporting channels, manager escalation and customer-facing risk controls instead of relying on policy wording alone.

    Employment & Workplace

Cases

Employment Appeal Tribunal[2025] EAT 12319 Aug 2025

Dr Christopher Day v Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust

The durable lesson for employers is not that public rebuttals are safe, but that they are risky and must be handled with discipline. The EAT said the tribunal was...

Read explainer
Employment & WorkplaceDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsUnions, Collective Bargaining & Industrial Action
High Court of Justice[2025] EWHC 2254 (KB)3 Sept 2025

Equity & Ors v Talent Systems Europe Limited (trading as Spotlight)

If your business runs a directory, marketplace or subscription platform for freelancers, this case shows that labels alone do not decide your legal status, but your...

Read explainer
Employment & WorkplaceDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDirectors' Duties & GovernanceAdvertising, Marketing & PromotionsOnline Sales, Subscriptions & PlatformsCopyright, Software & Digital ContentDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesTelecommunications, Media & Content
Court of Appeal of England and Wales[2025] EWCA Civ 18614 Mar 2025

Morley's (Fast Foods) Limited v Thurairasa Nanthankumar & Ors

For small and growing food businesses, the lesson is simple: do not assume that changing the name alone makes your branding safe. The court looked at the overall...

Read explainer
Employment & WorkplaceDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesTrade Marks, Passing Off & BrandingLicences, Permits & RegistrationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesFranchising, Distribution & DealershipsHospitality, Alcohol & Gambling
High Court of Justice[2025] EWHC 3371 (Ch)19 Dec 2025

Places for People Pension Trustee Limited v Places for People Group Limited & Ors

For ordinary businesses, the durable lesson is less about pensions litigation and more about document control. If your business changes employee benefits, incentive...

Read explainer
Employment & WorkplaceDirectors' Duties & GovernanceDisputes, Enforcement & Remedies
UK Supreme Court[2024] UKSC 2916 Sept 2024

Commissioners for HM Revenue and Customs v Professional Game Match Officials Ltd

Flexibility before an assignment does not prevent employment obligations arising during an accepted assignment. Businesses using casual or assignment-by-assignment...

Read explainer
Employment & WorkplaceContracts & CommercialDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesCopyright, Software & Digital ContentCompetition, Cartels & Market ConductDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsWorkplace Investigations & MisconductStandards, Accreditation & Certification
Employment Appeal Tribunal[2024] EAT 10623 Jan 2024

Hendy Group Ltd v Daniel Kennedy

If you are making someone redundant, do not treat redeployment as a box-ticking exercise. This case shows that fairness may depend on whether you took reasonable...

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Employment & WorkplaceDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDebt Recovery, Guarantees & SecurityDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesFranchising, Distribution & Dealerships
Employment Appeal Tribunal[2024] EAT 2025 Mar 2024

P Patel v DPD Group UK Limited

The practical point is not that any substitution clause will do. A clause only helps if it is genuine, broad enough to matter, and consistent with how the...

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Employment & WorkplaceContractors & Worker StatusDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesLicences, Permits & RegistrationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesFranchising, Distribution & DealershipsUnions, Collective Bargaining & Industrial ActionStandards, Accreditation & Certification
UK Supreme Court[2024] UKSC 2812 Sept 2024

Tesco Stores Ltd v USDAW

Employers should be careful with promises described as permanent, guaranteed or protected. Cost pressure later may not justify undoing a carefully negotiated...

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Employment & WorkplaceContracts & CommercialEmployment Contracts & PoliciesDebt Recovery, Guarantees & SecurityDisputes, Enforcement & Remedies
Court of Appeal of England and Wales[2023] EWCA Civ 14017 Feb 2023

Vadim Don Benyatov v Credit Suisse (Securities) Europe Ltd

The practical lesson is about clarity, scope and risk allocation. An employer may owe recognised duties of care and may have to reimburse some expenses or...

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Employment & WorkplaceEmployment Contracts & PoliciesDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesRestraints, Confidentiality & Trade SecretsDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLicences, Permits & RegistrationsFinancial Services, Credit & PaymentsInsurance Policies & Claims
UK Supreme Court[2022] UKSC 2120 July 2022

Harpur Trust v Brazel

Holiday pay is a payroll legal issue, not just an HR estimate. Employers with variable-hours, term-time or irregular workers should use current statutory rules and...

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Employment & WorkplaceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesLicences, Permits & RegistrationsPayroll Deductions & Minimum Standards
UK Supreme Court[2021] UKSC 519 Feb 2021

Uber BV v Aslam

Businesses using contractors, platform workers or gig-style models should test the real relationship, not just the label in the contract. Control over pricing,...

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Employment & WorkplaceContractors & Worker StatusWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesPayroll Deductions & Minimum Standards
UK Supreme Court[2020] UKSC 121 Apr 2020

WM Morrison Supermarkets plc v Various Claimants

The decision helped employers on vicarious liability, but it is not a reason to relax data security. Businesses still need access controls, audit trails, incident...

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Privacy & DataEmployment & WorkplaceWages, Leave & Payroll
UK Supreme Court[2019] UKSC 5527 Nov 2019

Royal Mail Group Ltd v Jhuti

Employers need clean investigation and dismissal processes, especially after complaints or whistleblowing. A decision-maker should not rely blindly on a manager's...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceDismissal, Redundancy & Grievances
UK Supreme Court[2019] UKSC 323 July 2019

Tillman v Egon Zehnder Ltd

Severance can rescue a restraint, but it is not a drafting strategy. Employers should tailor each restriction to the employee's role and the business interest being...

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Employment & WorkplaceContracts & CommercialIP & Brand ProtectionRestraints, Confidentiality & Trade Secrets
UK Supreme Court[2018] UKSC 2913 June 2018

Pimlico Plumbers Ltd v Smith

Contractor status needs to match the real working model. If a business requires personal service, controls presentation, allocates work closely and integrates the...

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Employment & WorkplaceContracts & CommercialContractors & Worker StatusDisputes, Enforcement & Remedies
Court of Appeal of England and Wales[2016] EWCA Civ 131423 Dec 2016

The English Electric Company Ltd v Alstom UK

Do not assume a historic employee claim stays with the original employer after a business transfer. In this case, the court held that wording about claims arising...

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Employment & WorkplaceEmployment Contracts & PoliciesDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesWorkplace Health & SafetyDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesInsurance Policies & Claims
UK Supreme Court[2011] UKSC 4127 July 2011

Autoclenz Ltd v Belcher

If your contractor agreement says one thing but daily operations say another, the operational reality can win. Substitution clauses, freedom language and...

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Employment & WorkplaceContracts & CommercialContractors & Worker StatusDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDisputes, Enforcement & Remedies