The Employment Law Pod

How new unfair dismissal rules will impact employers

In this episode of the Employment Law Pod, Andrew Whiteaker [https://www.boyesturner.com/our-people/andrew-whiteaker?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment] is joined by Will Morris from Profectus Recruitment [https://www.linkedin.com/in/willmorris/] to unpack one of the most significant upcoming changes in UK employment law [https://www.boyesturner.com/businesses/employment?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment]. With the Employment Rights Act [https://www.boyesturner.com/news-and-insights/employment-rights-act-april-2026-legislation-changes?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment] introducing a new six month qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims and removing the compensation cap, businesses are entering a period of real change and increased risk. Andy explains how the shift from two years to six months will reshape decision making for employers, particularly during the early stages of employment. The conversation explores how this change raises the stakes for getting recruitment and onboarding right from day one, and why waiting until the end of a probation period could create unintended legal exposure. Will brings a recruitment perspective, highlighting the challenges businesses already face in attracting and retaining talent. From high turnover in the first six months to misaligned expectations around hybrid working, he shares practical insights into how companies can better position themselves in a competitive market. The discussion also touches on the idea of “corporate catfishing” and the risks of overselling roles or culture during the hiring process. Together, they emphasise that strong onboarding, clear communication, and realistic hiring strategies are not just legal safeguards but essential for business performance. They also discuss the pressures on smaller organisations without dedicated HR support [https://www.boyesturner.com/businesses/employment/hr-consulting?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment] and how a focus on fairness and reasonableness can go a long way in navigating complex and evolving regulations. The episode closes with practical tips for employers [https://www.boyesturner.com/businesses/employment/employment-law-advice?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment], including tightening recruitment processes, improving briefing for recruiters, reducing unnecessary interview stages, and ensuring that offers and employee experiences align with expectations. Episode Links * Visit our website [https://www.boyesturner.com/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment-law-pod] * Contact us [https://www.boyesturner.com/get-in-touch?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment-law-pod] * Our Employment services [https://www.boyesturner.com/businesses/employment?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment-law-pod] * Our HR training [https://www.boyesturner.com/businesses/employment/training?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment-law-pod]

How HR strategy drives business sale value

In this episode of the Employment Law Pod, Helen Goss [https://www.boyesturner.com/our-people/helen-goss?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment] is joined by long-time collaborator Rebecca Woolmington [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawoolmingtonhr/], founder of HR Central, to explore how businesses [https://www.boyesturner.com/businesses?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment] can maximise value and minimise risk when preparing for sale from a people perspective. With growing movement across the SME market, many organisations are gearing up for investment or exit. But as Helen and Rebecca explain, buyers aren’t just purchasing products, services or IP, they’re buying people, structure and operational stability. That means preparation is essential. HR data and documentation are often seen as routine administration [https://www.boyesturner.com/news-and-insights/sme-case-study-how-pre-sale-preparation-protects-exit-value?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment], but they play a critical role in protecting and enhancing business value. Well-organised records, appraisal histories and clear documentation make due diligence [https://www.boyesturner.com/news-and-insights/how-prepare-your-business-investment-legal-due-diligence-guide?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment] smoother and more convincing. Using real-world experience and practical examples, this episode breaks down what “getting match-fit for sale [https://www.boyesturner.com/news-and-insights/preparing-your-company-sale?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment]” really involves and why the work you do behind the scenes can dramatically increase valuation. Stay tuned as Helen and Rebecca will return to discuss culture, communication, post-sale legal risks and integration challenges, whether you’re buying or selling. Episode Links * Visit our website [https://www.boyesturner.com/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment-law-pod] * Contact us [https://www.boyesturner.com/get-in-touch?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment-law-pod] * Our Employment services [https://www.boyesturner.com/businesses/employment?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment-law-pod] * Our HR training [https://www.boyesturner.com/businesses/employment/training?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment-law-pod]

Unpacking the Employment Rights Act: risks, changes and opportunities

In this episode of the Employment Law Pod, partners Andrew Whitaker [https://www.boyesturner.com/our-people/andrew-whiteaker?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment] and Helen Goss [https://www.boyesturner.com/our-people/helen-goss?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment] unpack one of the most significant shake-ups to UK employment law [https://www.boyesturner.com/businesses/employment?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment] 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. Episode Links * Visit our website [https://www.boyesturner.com/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment-law-pod] * Contact us [https://www.boyesturner.com/get-in-touch?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment-law-pod] * Our Employment services [https://www.boyesturner.com/businesses/employment?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment-law-pod] * Our HR training [https://www.boyesturner.com/businesses/employment/training?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment-law-pod]

Festive fun or festive fallout? HR lessons from the year end

In our last employment podcast of the year Claire Taylor- Evans [https://www.boyesturner.com/our-people/claire-taylor-evans?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment_law_pod], 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 [https://www.boyesturner.com/news-and-insights/mcdonalds-workplace-sexual-harassment?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment_law_pod] 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 [https://www.boyesturner.com/news-and-insights/settlement-agreements-explained-top-tips-and-how-get-them-right?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment_law_pod] 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 [https://www.boyesturner.com/businesses/employment?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment_law_pod] stay compliant, reduce risk and prepare for what lies ahead in 2026 and beyond. Episode Links * Visit our website [https://www.boyesturner.com/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment-law-pod] * Contact us [https://www.boyesturner.com/get-in-touch?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment-law-pod] * Our Employment services [https://www.boyesturner.com/businesses/employment?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment-law-pod] * Our HR training [https://www.boyesturner.com/businesses/employment/training?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment-law-pod]

Settlement agreements explained: Top tips & how to get them right

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 [https://www.boyesturner.com/our-people/helen-goss?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment] and Solicitor Rachael McAnulty [https://www.boyesturner.com/our-people/rachael-mcanulty?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment] break down everything employers and employees [https://www.boyesturner.com/businesses/employment?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment] 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 [https://www.boyesturner.com/news-and-insights/post-employment-notice-pay-penp?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment] 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. Episode Links * Visit our website [https://www.boyesturner.com/?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment-law-pod] * Contact us [https://www.boyesturner.com/get-in-touch?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment-law-pod] * Our Employment services [https://www.boyesturner.com/businesses/employment?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment-law-pod] * Our HR training [https://www.boyesturner.com/businesses/employment/training?utm_source=buzzsprout&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=employment-law-pod]