Articles

New government guidance reminds employers of current best practice on zero hours contracts but will be updated to reflect the Employment Rights Act 2025 reforms due to take effect next year.

From 30 October 2026, trade unions will have a new statutory right to access workplaces. We explain what employers need to do now to prepare, and why waiting for an access request to arrive could leave you at a disadvantage.

The start of the 2026/27 academic year brings another substantial package of legal, regulatory and guidance changes for independent schools.

Some changes take effect from 1 September 2026 and require immediate action. Others are already in force but may require schools to revisit their policies and practice, while several significant reforms remain on the horizon.

We highlight some of the key areas independent schools should have on their radar as the new academic year begins.

The start of the 2026/27 academic year brings another substantial package of legal, regulatory and guidance changes for academies and maintained schools.

Some changes take effect from 1 September 2026, others have already come into force during the year, and a further programme of education reform remains on the horizon.

Against that backdrop, we highlight some of the key areas schools should prioritise as the new academic year begins.

The Government has launched a consultation on a revised statutory Code of Practice on Fair and Transparent Distribution of Tips, reflecting new requirements under the Employment Rights Act 2025. The consultation closes on 29 September 2026.

A significant new right for trade unions to access workplaces comes into force on 30 October 2026, and the Government has now finalised the Code of Practice that will govern it. Schools should prepare for how they are going to approach this from a strategic and logistical perspective.