Insights
Universities and precautionary injunctions against protestors: navigating rising challenges
05 Aug 2026Recent global conflicts have led to a noticeable increase in protests and encampments across university campuses.
Many universities are now managing organised demonstrations, “sit-ins” and, in some cases, sustained occupations of their buildings or open spaces.
New trade union laws leave a fifth of employers feeling unprepared
05 Aug 2026Bob Fahy, Partner in our Employment team has contributed to an article in the HR press regarding concerns among employers about the new trade union laws that are coming into force from October 2026.
EAT confirms worker must request meeting companion before statutory right to be accompanied arises
29 Jul 2026The Employment Appeal Tribunal has confirmed that the statutory right to be accompanied is only triggered where a worker requests a companion.
Charities urged to prepare now for the EHRC services code of practice
29 Jul 2026The Charity Commission warns that trustees must take steps towards compliance with the new EHRC Code of Practice before it comes into force on 5 August 2026 and should not wait for updated Commission guidance.
Employers cannot bypass collective bargaining by making direct pay offers before the process is complete
29 Jul 2026The Employment Appeal Tribunal holds that a rail operator breached trade union legislation by offering a pay deal directly to staff while collective bargaining with a recognised union was still ongoing.
Academy Trust Handbook 2026: what Academy Trusts need to know now
29 Jul 2026The DfE has issued its updated Academy Trust Handbook 2026 [Academy trust handbook 2026: effective from 1 October 2026 - GOV.UK] which takes effect from 1 October 2026. The new version tightens control over pay, buying, technology contracts, pensions, severance payments, and financial transparency. The overall trend is that trusts are being asked to show, in writing, that public money is being spent carefully and openly.
The changes are set out in the updated version under the heading 'What has changed,' and we provide our initial comments on these below:
