The Employment Law Podcast

British citizenship in 2026: Why waiting could cost you more than you think

In this episode of the Constantine Law podcast, immigration partners Alex Finch and Rebecca Tester explore why British citizenship is becoming an increasingly strategic decision for migrants in the UK. The discussion unpacks the key differences between ILR and citizenship, the risks of delaying an application, and how proposed “earned citizenship” reforms could make future applications more restrictive and more expensive. From rising fees and changing eligibility rules to long-term security for families, this episode examines why many eligible migrants are choosing to apply for British citizenship sooner rather than later. Find out more about Constantine Law [https://www.linkedin.com/company/constantine-law/].

Ep 14 - Immigration series #3 - UK vs US business immigration: Cross-Atlantic comparisons

In the third episode of our Immigration Series, Alex Finch and Rebecca Tester are joined by Nita Upadhye, Managing Partner of NNU Immigration, to compare the UK and US business immigration systems. The discussion explores how political pressure around unlawful migration is influencing lawful sponsorship routes, the differing approaches to employer compliance and enforcement, and the structural realities of US green card caps and nationality-based backlogs. The episode also examines the UK’s proposed earned settlement reforms, the mechanics behind the $100,000 H-1B visa fee, and the practical importance of maintaining underlying status during the US green card process. A practical, cross-border conversation for employers, HR teams and advisers working with internationally mobile talent. Find out more about Constantine Law [https://www.linkedin.com/company/constantine-law/].

Ep 13 - We can work it out #3: Preparing for the biggest change in UK Employment Law

The Employment Rights Act has now received Royal Assent and will bring the most radical changes to UK employment law in decades. In this episode of our podcast's We can work it out series, John Patrick Hayes and Amanda Rajkumar explain what the Employment Rights Act means for UK employers in practice—not just in theory. They break down the key changes, including:  * The reduction of the unfair dismissal qualifying period to six months * The removal of the compensation cap for unfair dismissal * Why these reforms will fundamentally change how employers recruit, manage performance, and make dismissal decisions. The discussion explores why these changes are already a “now issue” for employers hiring in 2025 and 2026, how probation periods and onboarding processes will need to change, and why poor performance management is about to become a serious balance-sheet risk—particularly for higher-paid roles. The episode also looks at the likely impact on unfair dismissal claims, discrimination claims, senior hires, and settlement negotiations. John and Amanda also examine wider reforms under the Act, including restrictions on fire and rehire, changes to zero-hours contracts, predictable working patterns, and the implications for agency workers, hospitality, care, logistics, and other flexible labour markets. Drawing on international experience, they compare the UK’s position with the US and Europe and explain why leadership quality and workforce planning will matter more than ever. This episode is essential listening for employers, HR leaders, and business owners who want to understand what the Employment Rights Act will really change—and how to prepare before the new rules take effect. Find out more about Constantine Law [https://www.linkedin.com/company/constantine-law/].

Ep 12 - We can work it out #2: Appraisals - Myth, mess, or must-have?

Annual appraisals are one of the most stressful workplace rituals – but are they broken beyond repair, or more important than ever? In this episode, Constantine Law's John Hayes is joined by HR leader and powerhouse Amanda Rajkumar to unpack why performance appraisals trigger so much anxiety, how outdated processes undermine trust, and what organisations should be doing differently as we head into 2026. Drawing on experience from multinational organisations and UK SMEs, they explore the shift from once-a-year judgement to continuous feedback, the impact of bias and recency effects, and why poorly trained managers are often the weak link in performance management. The conversation also looks ahead to upcoming changes in UK employment law, including the growing importance of documented performance conversations, fair appraisals, and consistent feedback in managing risk around dismissals, bonuses, and promotions. Whether you’re a business owner, HR professional, manager, or employee, this episode offers practical insight into building appraisal systems that are simpler, fairer, legally robust, and actually improve performance. Topics covered: • Why appraisals create dread for managers and employees • Annual reviews vs continuous feedback • How bias creeps into performance ratings • Making appraisals shorter, clearer, and more effective • 360 feedback: what works and what doesn’t • Appraisals, performance management, and UK employment law in 2026 Find out more about Constantine Law [https://www.linkedin.com/company/constantine-law/].

Ep 11 - Immigration series #2: Navigating the UK's new settlement proposals

In this episode of the Employment Law Podcast by Constantine Law, Alex Finch and Rebecca Tester unpack the UK Government’s new consultation on “earned settlement” and what it could mean for migrants and employers. They break down the proposals in the policy paper A Fairer Pathway to Settlement, including: * Increasing the standard settlement period from five to ten years * New points-based criteria that can speed up—or extend—routes to ILR * Accelerated options for high earners and certain public sector roles * Longer routes for those who have accessed public funds, entered unlawfully, or overstayed * Concerns for health and care workers, medium-skilled workers, and dependent family members * Expected timelines and practical steps companies should consider now A clear, concise overview of one of the most significant proposed shifts in UK immigration law for years. Subscribe for more expert commentary on employment and immigration developments. Find out more about Constantine Law [https://www.linkedin.com/company/constantine-law/].