The Employment Law & HR Podcast

Practical Guidance for Managers When it comes to managing workplace issues, prevention is always better than cure. In this episode 253 of the Employment Law & HR Podcast, we dive into why early action matters, how to spot the signs of trouble, and practical steps you can take to stop minor issues from escalating into costly legal problems.    In this episode, we cover: Why early action is often avoided by employers and managers. The real cost of delaying action on workplace concerns. Spotting the early warning signs that something isn't right. How to have effective "fix it" conversations with employees. When to use mediation as a tool to rebuild trust. How recent legal developments under the Employment Rights Act 2025 increase the need to act early.   "The best employers set their teams up for success by addressing concerns before they become conflicts."      Why This Matters Too often, organisations wait too long to address performance or behaviour concerns—leading to grievances, resignations, or tribunal claims. Early, fair, and well-documented action not only reduces legal risk but builds trust and stronger workplace cultures.    Common Scenarios Where Early Action Makes a Difference A small clash over workload expectations turns into a bullying allegation. Personality clashes that go unchecked end in formal grievances. Persistent lateness leads to dismissal and an unfair dismissal claim. Failure to address wellbeing concerns leads to long-term sickness absence.      Practical Tips from the Episode Use simple, open language: "I've noticed a change — is everything okay?" "Let's talk about how we can resolve this early." Document informal conversations. Consider mediation early to prevent escalation. Escalate when the issue involves serious allegations or risks.      Key Takeaways Act early — don't wait for issues to grow. Communicate openly, calmly, and empathetically. Keep records of informal actions and discussions. Mediation can save relationships and reduce conflict. Seek professional advice when in doubt.   If you would like support to understand if you may have a claim for constructive unfair dismissal please do not hesitate to contact our office on 01983 897003 for a free no obligation discussion. We can also help if you are an employer defending a claim in the Employment Tribunal.   Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to stay informed on the latest in UK employment law. If you have questions or need tailored advice, feel free to get in touch – we are here to help.     Training for your Team Would you like to arrange training for your team to reduce the risk of both unhappy employees and claims being made against you? Please get in touch for a no obligation discussion, we can offer training anywhere in the UK in person or delivered remotely via MS Teams. Please drop me an email [email protected]   Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £234 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – [email protected] or you can find full details here: HR Harbour Don't forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006 We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE   Zoes Law Raising awareness of melanoma and skin cancer. You can find more information here: https://www.facebook.com/zoepanayilaw

In this episode 252 of the podcast following on from the last episode about constructive unfair dismissal I bring you a rundown of some employment tribunal case examples. In this episode I cover the following cases: Mr Marshall v Mcpherson Limited (2025) 09 07 2025 – Employment Appeal Tribunal case Mrs Rogerson v Dreamstore Norwich Limited 16 01 2020 Western Excavating (ECC) Ltd v Sharp [1978] Malik v BCCI [1997] Isle of Wight Tourist Board v Coombes [1976] Bournemouth University v Buckland [2010] Blackburn v Aldi Stores Ltd [2013] – EAT British Aircraft Corporation Ltd v Austin [1978] Omilaju v Waltham Forest London Borough Council [2005]   If you would like support to understand if you may have a claim for constructive unfair dismissal please do not hesitate to contact our office on 01983 897003 for a free no obligation discussion. We can also help if you are an employer defending a claim in the Employment Tribunal.   Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to stay informed on the latest in UK employment law. If you have questions or need tailored advice, feel free to get in touch – we are here to help.   Other resources you may find helpful: What is Constructive Unfair Dismissal?   Training for your Team Would you like to arrange training for your team to reduce the risk of both unhappy employees and claims being made against you? Please get in touch for a no obligation discussion, we can offer training anywhere in the UK in person or delivered remotely via MS Teams. Please drop me an email [email protected] Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £234 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – [email protected] or you can find full details here: HR Harbour Don't forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006 We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE   Zoes Law Raising awareness of melanoma and skin cancer. You can find more information here: https://www.facebook.com/zoepanayilaw

This is a quick summer message as I am taking a short break from the podcast for some rest and family time.  The Real Employment Law Team are still available if you have any questions or would like any advice or support over the summer.  Thanks for listening.  Alison 

In this episode 251 of the podcast I bring you a rundown of the law regarding constructive unfair dismissal. In this episode I cover: What Constructive Unfair Dismissal is? How the law came about Why we have the legal right to claim constructive unfair dismissal How constructive unfair dismissal differs from unfair dismissal The leading case and judgement from Western Excavating v Sharp An employee can claim an employer has breached both express and implied terms The implied term of trust and confidence and how this was established The leading case of Malik v BCCI What an employee needs to show in order to claim constructive unfair dismissal.   If you would like support to understand if you may have a claim for constructive unfair dismissal please do not hesitate to contact our office on 01983 897003 for a free no obligation discussion.   Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to stay informed on the latest in UK employment law. If you have questions or need tailored advice, feel free to get in touch – we are here to help.   Other resources you may find helpful: What is Constructive Unfair Dismissal?   Training for your Team Would you like to arrange training for your team to reduce the risk of both unhappy employees and claims being made against you? Please get in touch for a no obligation discussion, we can offer training anywhere in the UK in person or delivered remotely via MS Teams. Please drop me an email [email protected]   Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £234 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – [email protected] or you can find full details here: HR Harbour Don't forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006 We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE   Zoes Law Raising awareness of melanoma and skin cancer. You can find more information here: https://www.facebook.com/zoepanayilaw

In this episode 250 of the podcast I bring you a run down of the process for dealing with warnings as a disciplinary or capability sanction. In this episode I cover: What a warning is. Why some managers use warnings inappropriately. When a warning should be used. The procedure for issuing a warning. Why it is important to follow the correct procedure when issuing a warning. How long warnings should last for. What you should consider if you want to give an indefinite warning. When you can take into consideration an expired warning. What to consider if you want to dismiss an employee after cumulative warnings. How getting the process wrong could lead to a claim for constructive unfair dismissal.   If you would like training and support for your managers to empower them to deal with capability and disciplinary processes confidential and correctly, please don't hesitate to get in touch for free in obligation discussion..   Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to stay informed on the latest in UK employment law. If you have questions or need tailored advice, feel free to get in touch – we are here to help.   Other resources you may find helpful: Disciplinary Issues Unfair Dismissal   Training for your Team Would you like to arrange training for your team to reduce the risk of both unhappy employees and claims being made against you? Please get in touch for a no obligation discussion, we can offer training anywhere in the UK in person or delivered remotely via MS Teams. Please drop me an email [email protected]   Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £234 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – [email protected] or you can find full details here: HR Harbour Don't forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006 We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE   Zoes Law Raising awareness of melanoma and skin cancer. You can find more information here: https://www.facebook.com/zoepanayilaw

In this episode 249 of the podcast I bring you my thoughts on the substantive delays in the employment tribunal process which are hindering access to justice for employees and increasing costs and stress for employers and employees. In this episode I cover: My own and my colleagues first hand experience of the delays in the employment tribunal. A summary of the latest employment tribunal statistics published detailing the number of cases that have been submitted and the number of cases that are currently in the system. Some real life cases where judgements have been issued and published recently. My thoughts on why the system is 'broken' and why it is only going to get worse. How I would change the system to reduce delays and volume of cases. If you are making a claim, considering a claim or are involved in defending a claim, we can assist you, and take away some of the stress from the process. Please do not hesitate to get in touch for a free no obligation discussion about your case.   Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to stay informed on the latest in UK employment law. If you have questions or need tailored advice, feel free to get in touch – we are here to help.   Cases referred to: Hill v St Pauls C of E Primary and Others Baker v Jaguar Land Rover Limited Parker v Chief Constable of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary Craven v Forrest Fresh Foods Limited   Latest statistics from the Tribunal system   https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/tribunals-statistics-quarterly-january-to-march-2025  Training for your Team Would you like to arrange training for your team to reduce the risk of both unhappy employees and claims being made against you? Please get in touch for a no obligation discussion, we can offer training anywhere in the UK in person or delivered remotely via MS Teams. Please drop me an email [email protected]   Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £234 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – [email protected] or you can find full details here: HR Harbour Don't forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006 We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE   Zoes Law Raising awareness of melanoma and skin cancer. You can find more information here: https://www.facebook.com/zoepanayilaw

In this episode 248 of the podcast I bring you a reminder and refresher about the way in which you calculate holiday entitlement and pay. We cover the key points employers, employees and HR professionals need to know, including: Why it is important to calculate leave entitlement and pay separately. How to calculate annual leave entitlement for a regular employee with guaranteed or set hours. How to calculate annual leave entitlement for an irregular hours, zero hour or part year worker. What you need to consider when calculating holiday pay for all employees. When you can pay the standard or basic pay for holiday. When you need to calculate the average pay over the last 52 weeks and pay this for holiday. What rolled up holiday pay is and when you can pay it. Why you will need to rectify any issues with your calculation of holiday pay now. What changes are set out in the Employment Rights Bill 2025 in regard to holiday record keeping. Whether you are an employer, HR advisor, or employee looking to understand your rights, this episode offers clear, up-to-date guidance on annual leave and holiday pay.   Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to stay informed on the latest in UK employment law. If you have questions or need tailored advice, feel free to get in touch – we are here to help.   Other resources on holiday Holiday Pay: What is Rolled Up Holiday Pay? Holiday pay and holiday entitlement changes 2024   Resources about Worker status When is a 'Worker' a 'Worker' for the purposes of employment law? Worker Status & the 'Gig' Economy: Addison Lee Drivers Uber Drivers Have Workers Rights: Episode 66   Training for your Team Would you like to arrange training for your team to reduce the risk of both unhappy employees and claims being made against you? Please get in touch for a no obligation discussion, we can offer training anywhere in the UK in person or delivered remotely via MS Teams. Please drop me an email [email protected]   Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £234 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – [email protected] or you can find full details here: HR Harbour Don't forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006 We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE   Zoes Law Raising awareness of melanoma and skin cancer. You can find more information here: https://www.facebook.com/zoepanayilaw

In this episode 247 of the podcast I explore the new law concerning neonatal care leave and pay – a new statutory right designed to support parents whose babies require neonatal care after birth. We cover the key points employers, employees and HR professionals need to know, including: What neonatal care leave is and who will be eligible How the statutory leave and pay will work in practice The qualifying conditions for employees The likely impact on employers and pay requirements Practical steps to prepare for the new legislation Whether you're an employer, HR advisor, or employee looking to understand your rights, this episode offers clear, up-to-date guidance on this important new family-friendly policy.   Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast to stay informed on the latest in UK employment law. If you have questions or need tailored advice, feel free to get in touch – we are here to help.   Neonatal Care Leave & Pay Policy We have a template policy, with guidance notes, available to download now on our website for £18. You can purchase now here: Neonatal Care Leave and Pay Policy Training for your Team Would you like to arrange training for your team to reduce the risk of both unhappy employees and claims being made against you? Please get in touch for a no obligation discussion, we can offer training anywhere in the UK in person or delivered remotely via MS Teams. Please drop me an email [email protected]   Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £234 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – [email protected] or you can find full details here: HR Harbour Don't forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006 We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE

In this episode 246 of the podcast I bring you the final episode in this mini series all about TUPE, and today we cover the frequently asked questions (FAQ's) about all things TUPE. This is episode 5 of a mini series covering the key details you need to know about TUPE. In this episode of the podcast we cover the following questions Can you change employee terms so that they are the same as your existing employees? When can you make changes to employee contracts? Can you make changes to terms if a couple of years have passed? What happens to employee holiday entitlement when they transfer? What if the client decides they no longer want the service we provide and do not appoint a new provider or bring the work in-house? What if TUPE does not apply to a particular employee but the transferor and transferee agree for them to transfer?    Episode 1 – Introduction to TUPE Episode 2 – Employee Rights Episode 3 – Automatic Unfair Dismissal Episode 4 – The legal duty to inform and consult         Training for your Team Would you like to arrange training for your team to reduce the risk of both unhappy employees and claims being made against you? Please get in touch for a no obligation discussion, we can offer training anywhere in the UK in person or delivered remotely via MS Teams. Please drop me an email [email protected]   Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – [email protected] or you can find full details here: HR Harbour Don't forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006 We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE   Zoes Law Raising awareness of melanoma and skin cancer. You can find more information here: https://www.facebook.com/zoepanayilaw

The Employers obligation to provide information to employees In this episode 245 of the podcast I bring you the details of the obligations for transferee employers to provide information to the transferor about employees, and the obligations to inform employees and in certain circumstances to consult with employees before they transfer. This is episode 4 of a mini series covering the key details you need to know about TUPE. In this episode of the podcast we cover: The requirement to provide employee liability information for the incoming employer. When you may have to provide employee information under the terms of your contract with a customer. Who employers need to inform about a transfer. When employers need to elect employee representatives. When an employer can inform employees directly. When the obligation to consult with employees arises. Practical steps to plan ahead and ensure compliance with legal obligations.   Episode 1 – Introduction to TUPE Episode 2 – Employee Rights Episode 3 – Automatic Unfair Dismissal       Training for your Team Would you like to arrange training for your team to reduce the risk of both unhappy employees and claims being made against you? Please get in touch for a no obligation discussion, we can offer training anywhere in the UK in person or delivered remotely via MS Teams. Please drop me an email [email protected]   Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £225 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – [email protected] or you can find full details here: HR Harbour Don't forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006 We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE   Zoes Law Raising awareness of melanoma and skin cancer. You can find more information here: https://www.facebook.com/zoepanayilaw