In this episode of the Employment Law Pod, partners Andrew Whitaker and Helen Goss unpack one of the most significant shake-ups to UK employment law in decades: the Employment Rights Act.

With the Act now in force and many changes being phased in through 2026 and 2027, Andy and Helen explore what we know so far, what remains uncertain, and what employers should be thinking about now.

They discuss the headline reforms, including the reduction of the unfair dismissal qualifying period to six months, the proposed removal of the compensation cap, changes to statutory sick pay, collective redundancy rules, trade union law, fire and rehire, and zero-hours contracts.

Importantly, this episode doesn’t just focus on risk. Andy and Helen take a balanced view, using their famous Venn diagram thinking to explore whether there are genuine positives for both employers and employees, from improved workforce engagement and retention to a more level playing field across sectors.

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In our last employment podcast of the year Claire Taylor- Evans, Partner and Harjeet Nangla, Senior Associate discuss what might be on HR’s 2025 Christmas Wish List.

Can you spot the festive song lyrics throughout the episode?

The discussion starts with the risk of workplace Christmas parties, looking at employer liability, festive misconduct and the heightened obligations introduced by the Worker Protection Act. Claire and Harjeet unpack what “reasonable steps” really mean, the role of risk assessments, training and workplace culture, and how the EHRC is beginning to use its enforcement powers.

The conversation then turns to the long-awaited Employment Rights Bill, soon to become the Employment Rights Act 2025. The episode provides a practical overview of what’s changing, when those changes are expected to take effect, and why employers should start planning now.

Finally, the episode addresses the rise in restructures and redundancies amid economic uncertainty. Claire and Harjeet highlight common pitfalls around collective redundancy thresholds, settlement agreements and voluntary redundancies, and explain why early HR involvement and robust tracking are critical to avoiding costly mistakes.

A festive but practical end-of-year episode packed with insights to help HR teams stay compliant, reduce risk and prepare for what lies ahead in 2026 and beyond.

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If you’re staring down a reorganisation, a redundancy risk, or a fraying working relationship, a well-drafted settlement agreement can be the difference between clean closure and months of expensive uncertainty. In this episode, Partner Helen Goss and Solicitor Rachael McAnulty break down everything employers and employees need to know about settlement agreements.

With organisations continuing to restructure in a challenging economic climate, settlement agreements are increasingly common but they’re often misunderstood. Helen and Rachael discuss what a settlement agreement is, when it should be used, and the key clauses that must be drafted with care.

From tax treatment and PENP calculations to restrictive covenants, legal fee contributions, and the importance of getting notice arrangements right, this conversation provides clear, practical guidance for HR teams, business owners, and individuals exiting a company.

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