Employer guides
Written for UK small business owners who do not have an HR department. Every article tells you what to do, not just what the law says.
Hiring in 2026 comes with new legal obligations. From day one rights to the January 2027 qualifying period change, here is what electricians, builders, plumbers and other trades employers must get right before a contract is signed.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed July 2026
SSP changed in April 2026. No more waiting days and no lower earnings limit. Here is what electricians, plumbers, builders and other trades employers must update right now.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed July 2026
From 6 April 2026, the right to unpaid bereavement leave of at least one week became a day one right under the Employment Rights Act 2025. Here is who is now entitled and what you need to update in contracts and handbooks.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed June 2026
Fire and rehire is being significantly restricted under the Employment Rights Act 2025 from January 2027. Here is what the current position is, what changes, and what employers considering changes to employment terms need to do now.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed June 2026
A fair investigation is the foundation of every lawful dismissal. Skipping it or rushing it is the most common reason employment tribunals find dismissals unfair. Here is how to run one properly.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed June 2026
Most employers skip steps when dismissing for gross misconduct and leave themselves exposed to unfair dismissal claims. Here is the complete lawful process: suspension, investigation, hearing, outcome and appeal.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed June 2026
Probation periods are not defined in UK law and do not give employers the right to dismiss without process. From January 2027, the unfair dismissal qualifying period drops to six months. Here is what that means for how you structure and use probation.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed June 2026
Every worker has the statutory right to be accompanied at a formal disciplinary or grievance hearing. Denying it, or failing to inform the worker of it, can make an otherwise fair dismissal procedurally unfair.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed June 2026
From 6 April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay is payable from day one with no waiting period and no lower earnings limit. Employers still running the old process are applying the wrong standard and creating tribunal exposure.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed June 2026
The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 has been in force since October 2024. Employers must pass 100% of tips to workers, hold a written policy and keep three years of records. Many hospitality employers are still non-compliant.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed June 2026
From 1 January 2027, the qualifying period for unfair dismissal drops from two years to six months. Every employer who manages people on a trial basis or uses the first two years as a buffer needs to act before then.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed June 2026
Exclusivity clauses on zero hours arrangements have been unlawful since January 2026. Further changes are anticipated in 2027. If you have not reviewed your contracts since 2024, you may already be using unlawful terms.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed June 2026
What classes as gross misconduct in UK employment law? A definitive guide for trades employers covering the legal definition, a complete list, a classification checklist and the process you must follow before dismissing.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed June 2026
Zero hours contracts are legal but ERA 2025 gives workers the right to request guaranteed hours. Here is what the current rules are and what trades employers need to prepare for.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed June 2026
There is no fixed number of days. UK law requires a fair process before dismissal for absence, even unauthorised absence. Here is exactly what that process looks like.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed June 2026
The full UK disciplinary process for dealing with an employee who has not shown up. Covers investigation, hearing, decision, and appeal in plain English for small employers.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed June 2026
Job abandonment is not a legal concept in the UK, but unauthorised absence leading to dismissal is. Here is what UK employers need to know and the process you must follow.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed June 2026
A no call no show policy sets the rules before the problem happens. Free UK template covering what counts as unauthorised absence, how to respond, and what consequences apply.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed June 2026
A no-show on a construction site creates immediate safety and commercial risk. Here is the legally correct response for UK trades and construction employers.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed June 2026
Yes, you can dismiss for gross misconduct on a first offence in the UK - but only if the conduct genuinely qualifies and the process is followed correctly. Plain English guide for UK employers.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed June 2026
When and how to suspend an employee correctly in the UK. Covers when suspension is appropriate, pay during suspension, what not to say and the trades-specific issues that make suspension different for small businesses.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed June 2026
How a genuine gross misconduct case becomes an unfair dismissal claim. The most common employer mistakes, what employment tribunals look for, the band of reasonable responses test and how to protect your business.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed June 2026
The difference between misconduct and gross misconduct explained plainly for UK employers. Covers why the distinction matters, examples of each, when a pattern can lead to dismissal and the risk of getting it wrong.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed June 2026
What every letter in a gross misconduct process must contain, example wording for each stage and the mistakes that create tribunal risk. For UK employers who need to get the paperwork right.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed May 2026
A comprehensive list of gross misconduct examples for UK employers. Includes trades-specific examples, clear-cut cases and guidance on what to do when you are unsure whether something crosses the line.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed June 2026
What an employment contract must include under UK law, what you should include and how to avoid the clauses that create tribunal risk. Written for UK small business owners.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed June 2026
What the Employment Rights Act 2025 means for UK small business owners. The key changes, when they come into effect and what you need to do before January 2027.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed May 2026
How to make an employee redundant legally and fairly. The correct process, what you must pay and the mistakes that create tribunal risk. Written for UK small business owners.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed May 2026
When an employee doesn't show up and doesn't call, you need to act fast and document correctly. Free UK warning letter template and step-by-step process to protect yourself from tribunal risk.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed June 2026
What a final written warning means, when to use it, what it must include and what happens next. Written for UK small business owners.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed May 2026
How to handle long-term sickness absence legally and fairly. What you must do, what you can do and when dismissal is an option. Written for UK small business owners.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed May 2026
How to give a verbal warning at work legally and fairly. What to say, how to record it, how it fits into the disciplinary process for UK small businesses.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed May 2026
How to write a disciplinary letter that is legally compliant and clear. Step-by-step guidance and example wording for UK small business owners.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed May 2026
What counts as gross misconduct in the UK? Examples, how to handle it and when you can dismiss without notice. Written for small business owners.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed May 2026
You can legally dismiss an employee in the UK but only if you follow a fair process. This guide tells you exactly what to do, step by step, without a solicitor.
Leon Mclean · Last reviewed April 2026