Blog Articles

The Government has published a report and launched an open public consultation on time off for public duties. It is open for responses until 11.59pm on 4 September 2026.

Sporting fans are spoilt for choice this summer — whatever your preference, there are tournaments, matches and action to follow in a wide range of sports, not to mention the men’s FIFA World Cup that kicks off on 11 June 2026. While this can be a time for celebration, it’s also potentially a time for HR issues to arise. For employers looking to get ahead of the game and get ready for this year’s sporting summer, we set out our top tips below.

The Crime and Policing Act 2026 (the Act) has now gained Royal Assent and, as it comes into force from 29 June 2026, it will bring in new ways in which organisations may be held criminally responsible for crimes committed by senior managers acting with “corporate authority”.

The CIPD’s Labour Market Outlook report for Spring 2026 has found that UK employers are prioritising cost management over growth as rising business costs and global uncertainty impact employer confidence.

Marking this year’s National Apprenticeship Week (9–15 February), the Government has announced plans to pilot a university clearance-style system where “near miss” applicants who have failed to secure their top choice apprenticeship will be re-directed to similar opportunities in their area.

The Government has launched a consultation on improving access to flexible working as part of its Plan to Make Work Pay.

The Government has announced changes to the early conciliation and collective redundancy processes, with both coming into effect from 1 December 2025.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has launched two new consultations on changes to data protection laws that are set to be introduced under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (the Act), which received Royal Assent on 19 June 2025.

Environmental health funding should be increased to reflect rising health inequalities and protect public health, the Chartered Institute of Environment Health has said in their new manifesto.