5 things to know about Employment Law in the UK

In this series, Barry Stanton, Managing Partner, is talking to his European colleagues with whom he has worked on numerous projects about five things we should know about employment law in their country.

In this episode, Barry is speaking to his colleague Claire Taylor-Evans on employment law in the UK. The episode begins by highlighting that employment relationships can exist without written contracts, as verbal and implied agreements hold legal weight. The discussion covers the value of well-structured contracts, including protective clauses like restrictive covenants and extended notice periods.

The episode also addresses unfair dismissal rights, stressing the need for employers to follow proper processes when terminating employment. Changes to redundancy procedures are explored, including increased protections for employees on maternity and parental leave. Finally, the growing shift towards flexible working rights from day one is discussed, requiring businesses to adapt policies to meet employee expectations and legal requirements.