Employment Law

Our archive of articles and news items focusing on Employment Law issues for UK small businesses.

Employing & managing staff

Do I have to pay staff who are self-isolating?

Do you have to pay employees who are self-isolating full wage because they’ve been pinged by NHS Test and Trace? If so, what help is available?

Starting a Business

Government flags employment law change to cheerlead ‘wave of startups’

Business department consults on the reform of non-compete clauses so ex-employees can go out and start rival businesses

Employing & managing staff

What should you include in an employment contract?

When you’re starting a business, employee contracts are probably the last thing on your mind. But drafting a well-written contract defangs problems down the line

Employing & managing staff

How to deal with a furloughed employee who refuses to return to work

Tribunals are expected to weigh in favour of employees who say they haven’t gone back to work because they feel unsafe during Covid-19. What can a small business owner do?

Employing & managing staff

How do I make someone redundant? – Small business redundancy guide

Many small businesses are having to make people redundant during the coronavirus pandemic, despite government help. Employment lawyer Mike Tremeer takes you step by step through the redundancy process.

Employing & managing staff

Short-time working and lay-offs – what’s the difference?

Many small businesses are having to decide between putting staff on shorter hours or laying people off. Employment lawyer James Simpson explains the difference.

Employing & managing staff

7 ways to cut staff costs during the coronavirus crisis

Employment lawyer Peter Finding outlines seven ways small business owners can cut staff costs during the coronavirus crisis.

Employing & managing staff

What happens if your small business is taken to an employment tribunal?

Step-by-step guide to what happens if you are unfortunate enough to be taken to an employment tribunal

Employing & managing staff

Eight employment law changes to consider in 2019

The gender pay gap, minimum wage levels and pension contributions will require increased attention by employers in 2019

Employing & managing staff

Can an employee take unpaid leave?

I have an employee who wants to take unpaid leave to go on holiday but they still have enough of their holiday entitlement left to take it as paid. Is it a legal responsibility to use their entitlement first before being granted unpaid time off?

Legal advice

Illegal working: Why small businesses should question Home Office fines

Small businesses targeted by immigration enforcement face fines of up to £20,000 per illegal worker, but businesses have grounds to challenge the penalty, explains Anne Morris.

Legal advice

Employment tribunal: How to navigate the process

For employers and particularly SMEs, there is still some cause for concern and a need for increased awareness around the risks when dismissing individuals, Andy Shettle argues.