Expert insights

Welcome to the space where we break down the latest developments in employment law and workplace issues. Our blog provides clear, practical guidance, case updates, and professional advice to help employees and employers navigate complex legal matters with confidence. You can also subscribe to our Newsletter or visit past editions here.

Questions we’ve received from clients this month

This month, key HR risks include ensuring protected settlement talks under section 111A and understanding zero-hours contract reforms, which aim to enhance worker rights, not ban the contracts.

23 July 202623 July 2026

What does the reduction of the qualifying period mean for fixed-term contracts?

From 1 January 2027, the unfair dismissal qualifying period drops from two years to six months under the Employment Rights Act. Because non-renewal of a fixed-term contract is legally a…

22 July 202623 July 2026

AI in Disciplinary & Grievance Processes: A growing challenge for employers

AI-generated grievances often introduce excessive length, unverified case law, and inflated claims. UK employers should focus on early informal conversations, enforce data protection under UK GDPR, and avoid replying line-by-line…

21 July 202623 July 2026

Guest Blog | Minimising Workplace Coaching Risk: Why HR governance matters more than ever

UK employers face significant compliance risks in coaching, which is often unregulated. UCA Cymru provides a framework ensuring quality and accountability for HR leaders and coaches.

20 July 202623 July 2026

Navigating the Backdated Statutory Mileage Rate Increase: An employer’s action plan

Significant changes to statutory mileage allowance rules have been announced, effective 6 April 2026. Employers must adjust expense policies in line with updated rates.

1 June 202623 July 2026

Deadline Alert: The 1st of May Real Living Wage implementation

By May 1, 2026, accredited Living Wage employers must update payrolls and contracts, following new independently calculated wage rates.

29 April 202630 April 2026

The advice we’ve been asked for in April

In April 2026, UK businesses face crucial employment law changes, with a focus on sick pay reforms and phased employee return rights.

29 April 20267 May 2026

April ERA Recap: Navigating the new employment reality

The UK’s employment landscape has significantly changed with new rights, impacting employer compliance and record-keeping ahead of future milestones.

29 April 20267 May 2026

Guest Blog | UK workplace drug testing

Employers must ensure drug testing policies comply with legal standards, confirming results through accredited laboratories to avoid unfair dismissal.

29 April 202621 July 2026

Balancing Beliefs: Why the EAT Lister v New College Swindon judgement matters

The Employment Appeal Tribunal’s decision in Lister v New College Swindon will clarify belief discrimination boundaries for employers in education.

15 April 20269 April 2026

Stress at Work: More than just a bad day

This piece discusses the legal responsibilities of UK employers regarding workplace stress, emphasising mental health’s significance beyond physical safety.

1 April 20268 April 2026

Thinking Differently: Why neurodiversity is a workplace superpower

Neurodiversity Celebration Week promotes action to support neurodivergent individuals at work, emphasising legal obligations and inclusive practices in recruitment.

17 March 202617 March 2026

Refreshing Law featured in Business Live

Lousha Reynolds leads Refreshing Law, offering accessible legal advice with 17 years of expertise, as featured in Business Live.

10 March 202612 March 2026

Removing the statutory cap in unfair dismissal compensation: how will the UK compare to other countries?

The UK will soon remove the cap on unfair dismissal claims, affecting settlement negotiations and tribunal processes significantly.

5 March 20265 March 2026

The top questions we’re hearing from clients this month

The Employment Rights Act reduces the unfair dismissal qualifying period to 6 months, effective from 1 January 2027. Read our FAQs below.

4 March 20267 March 2026

Consultation launched on the threshold for triggering collective redundancy obligations

The ERA 2025 will introduce an additional, alternative threshold test based on the total number of redundancies across the whole business.

4 March 20265 March 2026

Video | New look, same approach

Refreshing Law offers practical employment law guidance for UK businesses, aiding in compliance and decision-making amid evolving workplace challenges.

10 February 20265 March 2026

Refresh, reset

Refreshing Law has rebranded under Lousha Reynolds, enhancing client support with practical legal advice and straightforward services.

3 February 20263 February 2026

Employment Rights Bill update — Where are we now?

The Employment Rights Bill progresses amid ministerial changes, retaining key reforms while rejecting significant amendments aimed at simplifying implementation.

29 September 202530 January 2026

A goodbye from Anna Denton-Jones

Anna Denton-Jones’ final blog before she retires. Reflecting on the last 27 years as a practising solicitor.

24 September 202527 January 2026

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