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Employment and HR Law

Our employment lawyers are experts in providing tailored, commercial employment law and HR advice. We pride ourselves in providing cost effective solutions to your employment law and HR needs.

Employment Tribunal Claims

Employment tribunal proceedings can be brought for various types of claims including unfair dismissal, breach of contract, holiday pay, discrimination and equal pay. They can be complex and time consuming. Our employment team has significant expertise in bringing and defending employment tribunal claims.

Employment and HR for Individuals

Our employment lawyers are experts in providing employment law and HR advice. We pride ourselves in providing clear, cost effective advice.

Employment Law Training

Conferences, seminars, in-house training, tailored sessions and training materials for HR professionals, directors, managers and supervisors.

Getting To Grips with Employment Law

Whether you have 5 or 5000 employees, a fundamental understanding of employment law is crucial. An overview of the key elements of employment law will help employers and managers deal with common day-to-day employment issues in a confident and professional manner. We will look at the core areas of employment law and provide you with the legal knowledge…

Getting to grips with TUPE

When it comes to winning, bidding for (and losing!) service contracts, a good understanding of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (“TUPE”) is essential. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach so it’s important to understand how the different parts of TUPE can impact in practice. Whilst the basic principles of…

The Law of Recruitment, Interviewing and Selection

Getting recruitment right is critical to ensure you recruit the right people for the success of the business. It’s essential that any recruitment process is fair, consistent and complies with legal requirements including discrimination law. Whether recruitment is internal or external, there are many pitfalls for the unwary manager. Implementing a robust…

Workplace Discrimination

From recruitment to dismissal, this seminar will help you understand the legal issues of discrimination and highlight potential dangers at each stage of the employment relationship. We will teach you how to identify different types of discrimination and the steps you can take to manage the legal risks of discrimination.

Tribunal Training – tips, tricks and tactics

There has been a dramatic rise in claims since the removal of tribunal fees in 2017. It is important to understand how the tribunal process works to help you deal with an employment tribunal claim or to provide effective assistance to your solicitors in helping them successfully defend a claim.

Dealing with Discipline and Grievance Procedures

This seminar will explain what you need to do when you are faced with grievances and disciplinary matters to put yourself in the strongest position possible at a tribunal. We will explore the legal claims you might face and how to protect yourself with effective policies and procedures. This session is ideal for those involved with grievances and discipline,…

Hiring and Firing Senior Employees

Employers need to know how they can attract talented senior employees to their business whilst at the same time ensuring that the contractual terms protect their business. Employers must also understand their employee’s dismissal rights and how they can safely dismiss senior employees in different situations.

Redundancy and Restructuring

This seminar will provide an up-to-date assessment of the legal considerations when restructuring or dealing with redundancies. Our experts will show you how best to navigate the legal pitfalls of a redundancy situation by using fair and objective selection criteria and carrying out early consultation.

Disability Discrimination and Stress

Our experts will help you identify disabilities and better understand the types of discrimination that can occur. In a practical and engaging session, you will learn how an organisation’s policies and practices can inadvertently cause discrimination, how to handle absences, how to accommodate disabled employees in the workplace, as well as how to safely…

Mind the Gap: Pay Discrimination in the Workplace

Employers with over 250 relevant employees are required to publish gender pay gap information. Organisations that meet the reporting criteria must be prepared for gender pay gap reporting with an understanding of what the gender pay gap is and how to report on it in compliance with legislation

Managing Sickness Absence

A healthy, functioning workforce is central to a productive business. Whether long-term or repeated short-term, sickness absences can be highly problematic for employers as they can easily turn into claims of unfair dismissal and disability discrimination if they are not handled correctly. A confident, competent and legally compliant response from…

Monitoring Employees

From CCTV to tracking emails and internet usage, workplace monitoring can both safeguard employees and provide an employer with important data that can add real value to their business. However, monitoring must be handled carefully as employees are entitled to some privacy while they are at work. Those involved in monitoring, such as management, supervisors…

Sex Discrimination in the Workplace - a new era?

This interactive workshop and discussion group will explore the legal and practical issues around sexual harassment and look at steps to promote an inclusive culture which fosters equality, with a view to protecting against future claims.

Flexing or Vexing? Dealing with flexible working requests

In this session, we will explore a range of issues that can arise when dealing with flexible working requests and provide tips on how best to approach such requests and how to better protect yourselves when facing potential claims.

Redundancy Refresher - ensuring a fair dismissal

In this session delegates will be guided through the key aspects of a fair redundancy process and dismissal. Through case studies, we will help delegates to understand best practice and provide practical tips to ensure a smooth redundancy process. We will also tackle some of the more difficult issues associated with redundancies.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

This interactive and practical session discusses the challenges organisations face in implementing this new obligation and how to comply with the requirements of GDPR. The session will cover the key actions for employers regarding the collection, storage and use of personal and staff data and also considers the main practical impact of GDPR on day…

How to conduct grievance and disciplinary investigations

This interactive and practical session will provide delegates with an understanding of the legal and best practice requirements necessary to conduct an investigation and provides practical tips for the investigators.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

In this session delegates will develop their knowledge of the protected characteristics and be guided through the legal and practical issues around discrimination and harassment. The course looks at which behaviours are prohibited by the Equality Act and provides practical guidance on how to promote an inclusive culture which fosters equality.

Church Law

Our team bring with them a wealth of experience and can offer expert guidance on the varied legal demands faced by the faith sector.

Lucy Mooney

Lucy is a paralegal working in the Employment department based in Leicester. She has supported the Employment department since 2018. 

Sobia Ahmad

Sobia advises clients on a wide range of employment law matters – both contentious and non-contentious – and adopts a clear, commercial and practical approach.She has acted for employers and employees within a range of sectors and has experience of handling employment tribunal claims, advising on day-to-day employment issues and drafting and negotiating…

Natalie Reeder

Natalie joined the employment team as a newly qualified solicitor in September 2024 and works across Northampton and Milton Keynes.

Hannah Pryce

Hannah advises clients on all aspects of employment law, both contentious and non-contentious.Hannah has considerable experience of providing contentious and non-contentious employment law advice to a broad range of clients. She has particular expertise in tribunal litigation, including complex discrimination and whistleblowing claims.

James Pitts

James qualified into the team in September 2021 after completing his training contract with Howes Percival and has established himself as a key member of the team and the “go-to” person for a number of our key clients, including those operating in the automotive, logistics and food delivery service sectors.   

Nina Gilroy

Nina has experience in a broad range of employment law areas including: drafting employment documentation, termination of employment, disciplinary and grievance procedures, TUPE and settlement agreements.

Hannah Ball

Hannah specialises in all aspects of Employment law and advises on both contentious and non contentious matters. Hannah has defended a range of Employment Tribunal claims including unfair dismissal and discrimination. Hannah regularly advises clients on non-contentious matters, such as contracts of employment. In addition, Hannah provides advice on…

Anna Bithrey

Anna advises on a broad range of both contentious and non-contentious Employment and HR matters and her clients find her advice practical, helpful and clear. 

Holly Helm

Holly is a second-year trainee solicitor at Howes Percival and is now undertaking her final seat with the Employment Team in the Leicester and Northampton Offices.

James Conley

James has experience advising on a wide range of both contentious and non-contentious employment law matters. 

Yasmin Ahmad

Yasmin has experience in dealing with a wide range of contentious and non-contentious employment law matters, providing clear and pragmatic advice tailored to her client’s needs. 

Nick Benton

Nick has experience in all aspects of employment law including both contentious and non-contentious matters. Nick regularly advises employer clients in respect of all HR issues as well as assisting clients with all employment tribunal claims. Nick has a particular interest in employment status and matters which arise for employers in respect of this…

Kate Sullivan

Kate joined the Employment Team as an Associate in September 2025 after having completed her training contract with Howes Percival, and deals with a range of employment law issues including both contentious and non-contentious matters.

Zoe Jardin

Zoe is a solicitor apprentice in the Milton Keynes Employment team, assisting with a range of both contentious and non-contentious employment matters.  

Jonathan Mumby

Jonathan joined the employment team in March 2019. He provides clear, concise and practical advice on a range of employment issues. Jonathan has acted for nationwide charities and independent retailers, and has dealt with the variety of challenges posed in each situation.

Graham Irons

Graham provides advice to clients in both the private and public sectors and has been recognised in the Legal 500 as being "very responsive", having "a deep knowledge of UK employment law" and providing "practical and creative advice".Graham is a regular speaker at a range of events and has a reputation for delivering fun and practical seminars and…

Matthew Potter

Matthew has a wealth of experience in all areas of employment law both litigation and advisory. Matthew provides commercial solutions for employers with particular experience of large scale TUPE transfers in both the private and public sectors; restructures; employment tribunal litigation and High Court injunctions. 

Alex Payton

Alex advises on all types of tribunal dispute, with particular emphasis on those matters that are complex or multi-jurisdictional. Alex has a particular interest in restrictive covenant enforcement issues and defending claims of high value.

Ilaya Sultan

Ilaya is a second-year trainee solicitor, currently undertaking her fourth seat in the Employment department in Norwich and Cambridge.  

Courtney Kidney

Courtney has experience dealing with a wide range of contentious and non-contentious employment law matters, providing clear and pragmatic advice tailored to her client’s needs.

Nichola Constantinides

Nichola is an Associate in the Insolvency and Corporate Recovery (ICR) department.

Paula Bailey

Paula is Head of the Employment Law team at Howes Percival, having started work with Howes Percival in 1997.

Leon Head

Since joining Howes Percival in 2012, Leon has worked on an array of matters ranging from fraud litigation, contentious individual and corporate insolvency, debt recovery, contentious probate, general commercial litigation, property litigation, estates, commercial property, planning and employment for individual, business and government clients. Leon…

Employment Lunch and Learn - Settlement Discussions and Agreements

Howes Percival's employment team is pleased to announce they will be holding an in-person employment lunch and learn session on settlement discussions and agreements.

Government Unveils Employment Rights Bill and ‘Next Steps to Make Work Pay’

On Friday 10 October 2024, the Government submitted the Employment Rights Bill to Parliament.

Employment Law Update: What to Expect in 2025

2025 is set to be a pivotal year for employment law, following the introduction of the Employment Rights Bill in October 2024.

National Employment Conference - May 2026

Howes Percival will be holding their popular National Employment Conference on Thursday 21 May 2026 at Whittlebury Hall, near Towcester, Northamptonshire.

Howes Percival Employment Team Ranked Top!

The 2026 edition of The Legal 500 - the authoritative guide to the UK's leading law firms - has just been published and we are proud to announce that our employment team has retained its status as a top tier law firm for employment services.

Howes Percival Employment Team ranked top!

The 2024 edition of The Legal 500 - the authoritative guide to the UK's leading law firms - has just been published and we are proud to announce that our employment team has retained its status as a top tier law firm for employment services.

Amendments to the Employments Rights Bill

The Government published the Employment Rights Bill in October 2024, comprising the biggest change to employment rights in almost 30 years.

An early Christmas Gift for us all: the Employment Rights Bill has been passed!

The ERB, now the Employment Rights Act, was approved by Parliament on Tuesday afternoon and is expected to be granted Royal Assent later this week.

King’s Speech: Not One, But Two New Employment Law Bills on the Horizon

The King’s Speech yesterday morning marked the State Opening of Parliament following Labour’s election victory earlier this month.

Employment Rights Act 2025: Key Changes for April 2026

The Employment Rights Act 2025 will see certain changes coming into force in April 2026, many of which will have a direct and immediate impact on Employers’ costs, policies, and risk exposure.

Protected conversations under S.111A of the Employment Rights Act 1996 - Tarbuc v Martello Piling Ltd

The Employment Appeal Tribunal (“EAT”) has confirmed that an employment tribunal failed to take into account the employee’s complaint about being ‘ambushed’ and not being allowed a meeting companion, when deciding whether there has been “improper behaviour”, for the purposes of Section 111A of the Employment Rights Act 1996.

Maternity Protection: Carnival Plc v Hunter and the Employment Appeal Tribunal’s view on "suitable alternative employment"

In this case, the claimant was on maternity leave when a redundancy exercise reduced the respondent’s team leader positions from 21 to 16, resulting in the claimant being made redundant. Following her dismissal, she brought claims of unfair dismissal and maternity discrimination.

Government Consultation: Should Fees be Re-Introduced in Employment Tribunals?

The Ministry of Justice has launched a consultation proposing to introduce small fees of £55 in the Employment Tribunals and the Employment Appeal Tribunal.

Employment Lunch & learn - Settlement Discussions and Agreements

Howes Percival's employment team is pleased to announce they will be holding an in-person employment lunch and learn on settlement discussions and agreements.

Employment Law Update Seminar - Northampton

We invite you to join us at our Northampton Employment Law update seminar in October 2026.

Employment Law Update Seminar - Norwich

We invite you to join us at our Norwich Employment Law update seminar in October 2026.

Employment Law Update Seminar - Leicester

We invite you to join us at our Leicester Employment Law update seminar in October 2026.

Employment Law Update Seminar - Milton Keynes

We invite you to join us at our Milton Keynes Employment Law update seminar in October 2026.

Employment Law Update Seminar - Cambridge

We invite you to join us at our Cambridge Employment Law update seminar in November 2026.

Employment Law Update Webinar

We invite you to join us at our Employment Law update webinar in November 2026.

Howes Percival successfully defends attempt to re-open appeal on Omooba and why this case gives much needed clarity on the impact of Higgs

In this long-running religious discrimination case, Howes Percival successfully defended the second respondent Leicester Theatre Trust Limited (Curve Theatre).

Right to Participate in Share Incentive Plan May Transfer Under TUPE

In the recent case of Ponticelli UK Ltd v Gallagher [2023], the Inner House of the Court of Session (Scotland’s equivalent of the Court of Appeal) ruled that an employee’s right to participate in a share incentive (“SIP”) plan arose “in connection with” their contract of employment for the purposes of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment)…

The Future of the Workplace: Labour’s Key Proposed Changes

Labour promised a whole host of changes to employment law in their manifesto and a “new deal for working people”.  Now that Sir Keir Starmer has taken the reins as Prime Minister, employers and HR professionals are left wondering: what do these proposals actually mean?

Whistleblowing: MacLennan v British Psychological Society, 2024. Can a charity trustee bring a whistleblowing claim?

In this case, the Claimant was a charity trustee who was elected to the position of President-Elect of the Respondent, the representative body for psychologists in the UK.

April 2024 Roundup: Key Employment Law Changes To Look Out For

Spring is finally in the air – and, with it, so are a whole host of changes in employment law for employers to look out for!  April is always a busy month in the employment law calendar, and this year will see changes to the flexible working regime, family friendly rights and calculating holiday entitlement and pay for irregular and part-year workers,…

Employment Seminar - Milton Keynes

Howes Percival's Employment Team are delighted to announce their employment law seminar in Milton Keynes.

Draft Code of Practice on Trade Unions’ Right of Access into Workplaces Published

On 8 April 2026 the Government published a draft Code of Practice on the right of Trade Unions to access workplaces (“Code”), on which it will now undertake a consultation.

Employment Law Update: What to expect in 2024

Big Changes to Family Friendly Rights from 6 April 2024: Right to Request Flexible Working from “Day One”; Extension of Redundancy Protection for those on Maternity, Adoption and Shared Parental Leave; and Introduction of Unpaid Carer’s Leave.

Employment Rights Act 2025: New duty to keep annual leave records now coming into force in April 2026

This week, the Government has published regulations that will bring a number of changes in the Employment Rights Act into force in April 2026.

Unfair Dismissal - EAT holds that a dismissal was unfair because of a defective appeal process

The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has published a judgment on 13 February 2026, in the case of Milrine v DHL Services Limited

Clarification on the Collective Consultation Threshold

Where employers are proposing to make redundant 20 or more employees at one establishment within a period of 90 days, the duty to collectively consult will be triggered.

Government Consults on Strengthening Employment Rights for Unpaid Carers and Parents of Seriously Ill Children

The Government has launched a consultation on potential reforms aimed at strengthening workplace protections for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children.

Government Roadmap Outlines Implementation of Key Employment Rights Bill Changes

The Government has published its Implementation Roadmap for the Employment Rights Bill, which sets out a delivery plan for the wide-ranging Employment Rights Bill reforms.

Employment Rights Act 2025: Updated Factsheets Published

Last week the government published five factsheets covering different aspects of the Employment Rights Act 2025 (“ERA”).

Howes Percival expands Employment team to support companies facing influx of new legislation

Howes Percival has expanded its employment law team with the appointment of James Conley in Norwich to support businesses across East Anglia that are preparing for an influx of new employment legislation.

Employment Rights Act 2025 - Changes to working with Trade Unions in force from 18 February 2026

Two months on from the Employment Rights Act 2025 receiving Royal assent, a number of key reforms relating to trade unions will come into force on 18 February 2026.

Are ‘training fee clawbacks’ an unreasonable restraint of trade?

The Court of Appeal held that a ‘training fee clawback’ scheme, which required an employee to repay the cost of his training regardless of whether he remained in employment was unenforceable, as it amounted to an unreasonable restraint of trade

Howes Percival Delivers Final Success for Theatre in Long-Running Discrimination Dispute

The Court of Appeal has delivered its Judgment rejecting in full the claimant’s application for permission to further appeal against the Employment Appeal Tribunal’s decision in the long-running case of Seyi Omooba v (1) Michael Garrett Associates Ltd (T/A Global Artists) (2) Leicester Theatre Trust Ltd.

Government confirms that Statutory Sick Pay changes will come into force on as planned on 6 April 2026

The Government has finally published regulations which confirm that the anticipated changes to Statutory Sick Pay (“SSP”) under the Employment Rights Act 2025 will come into force on 6 April 2026.

Employment Rights Act 2025: Updated Timeline for Implementation

Yesterday, the Government published an updated timeline for implementing the reforms under the Employment Rights Act 2025 (ERA 2025). Notably, a delay has been announced to the implementation of the provisions regarding ‘fire and rehire’ protections.

Fire and Rehire: Government Publishes Updated Code of Practice

The Government has published an updated code of practice on dismissal and re-engagement, otherwise known as “fire and rehire”; a controversial practice where an employer fires an employee and offers them a new contract of employment, often on less favourable terms.

Working Time Regulations: Make sure you comply with the statutory minimum holiday requirements this year!

The statutory minimum holiday entitlement in the UK under the Working Time Regulations is 28 days (5.6 weeks) per year for full-time workers. Employers can choose to include bank holidays as part of this entitlement.

Updated Vento Bands 2026

The Presidents of the Employment Tribunals in England & Wales and Scotland have announced the annual increase to the “Vento Bands”.

6 April 2024: New Employment Tribunal Compensation Limits

The Government has announced this year’s annual increase to Employment Tribunal compensation limits and other statutory payments, including statutory redundancy pay.  The increased rates will come into force on 6 April 2024, and will apply to any relevant events occurring on or after that date.

6 April 2025: New Employment Tribunal Compensation Limits

The Government has now announced this year’s annual increase to Employment Tribunal compensation limits and other statutory payments, including statutory redundancy pay.  The increased rates will come into force on 6 April 2025, and will apply to any relevant events occurring on or after that date.

Employment Rights Bill to extend Bereavement leave for families

The government have announced an amendment to the Employment Rights Bill which will expand rights to bereavement leave to those who lose a pregnancy before 24 weeks’ gestation.

New Employment Tribunal Compensation Limits 2026

The Government has announced this year’s annual increase to Employment Tribunal compensation limits and other statutory payments, including statutory redundancy pay.  The increased rates will come into force on 6 April 2026 and will apply to any relevant events occurring on or after that date.

Employment Law Facts and Figures 2025

Howes Percival provides you with a statistical summary of Employment Law from 2025.To download the summary, please click the link above.For more information or advice about Employment and HR Law, please click here.

Employment Law Facts and Figures 2026

Howes Percival provides you with a statistical summary of Employment Law from 2026.As well as new pay rates, qualification periods and compensation limits, our updated Facts & Figures 2026 also reflects some of the recent changes to Statutory Sick Pay (“SSP”) and certain family-friendly rights. This is a useful tool for employers and busy HR practitioners,…

EHRC Consultation Now Open: Updated Guidance on Sexual Harassment at Work

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (“EHRC”) has launched a consultation on its updated guidance on sexual harassment at work. 

Government Scraps New Right to Request Predictable Working Pattern, For Now…

The Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023 would have created a new statutory right for certain atypical workers – for example, those on zero-hours contracts – to request a predictable working pattern.

Updated Vento Bands 2025

The Presidents of the Employment Tribunals in England & Wales and Scotland have now announced the annual increase to the “Vento Bands”. As you may know, these are the guidelines which are used by Employment Tribunals when assessing how much compensation to award for “injury to feelings” in discrimination claims. The updated Vento Bands will apply to…

Rehabilitation of Offenders: Changes to Employees’ Obligation to Declare Criminal Convictions

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 has shortened the timescales in which ex-offenders are legally required to declare certain criminal convictions to employers.

ACAS issues draft updated code of practice for disciplinary and grievance procedures for the first time in over a decade

ACAS have published a new draft Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance procedures (the “Draft Code”). The current code of practice was published in 2015 (the “ACAS Code”) and the Draft Code proposes some significant updates to the well established ACAS Code.

Gendered Swear Words and the “All Reasonable Steps” Defence

The recent case of Fisher v London United Busways Limited involved the use of a gendered swearword in respect of a transgender employee, which the Employment Tribunal accepted would establish a case of gender reassignment discrimination.

Seasonal workers and irregular hours workers – the new approach to holiday pay

Do you employ ‘seasonal’ workers or workers on flexible, ever-changing hours? If so,The Government has recently released new guidance on changes to holiday pay for seasonal and irregular hours workers that you should probably get familiar with.

Fire and Rehire: New Code of Practice

On 18 July 2024, a new Code of Practice on Dismissal and Re-engagement (commonly known as the practice of “Fire and Rehire”) came into force.

Bereaved partner's paternity leave available from 6 April 2026: a positive step towards supporting bereaved parents

From 6 April 2026, eligible employees will have a statutory right to take bereaved partner’s paternity leave (BPPL) for up to 52 weeks after a child’s birth or placement for adoption, where the child’s ‘primary carer’ (usually the mother or co-adopter) has died. The leave will be available where the primary carer dies on or after 6 April 2026 and it…

Milton Keynes Employment Law Seminar

Howes Percival's employment team is pleased to announce they will be holding an in-person employment seminar on settlement discussions and agreements.

Duty to Make Reasonable Adjustments Where Employer Ought to Have Made Reasonable Enquiries

In the recent case of AECOM Ltd v Mallon [2023], the Employment Appeal Tribunal has found that an employer was under a duty to make reasonable adjustments (and failed to fulfil that duty) when its requirement for job applicants to create an online profile and complete an online application form put an applicant with dyspraxia at a substantial disadvantage.

Allocation of Tips Act and Code of Practice

On 1 October 2024, the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 and the statutory Code of Practice on Fair and Transparent Distribution of Tips will come into force.

ACAS Updates its Code of Practice on Flexible Working Requests

ACAS has updated its Code of Practice on Requests for Flexible Working. The new Code is currently in draft form pending parliamentary approval; however, if approved, it is expected to come into effect in April 2024.This ties in with upcoming changes to flexible working laws, which are dealt with in the new Code.

Home Office to Extend Right to Work Checks to Gig Economy, Zero-Hour and Subcontracted Workers

The Home Office has announced plans to expand the illegal working prevention regime, requiring businesses to verify that all individuals working on their behalf have the legal right to work in the UK, regardless of contract type or working pattern.

Corporate Criminal Liability – The Crime and Policing Act 2026

The Crime and Policing Act 2026 (“CPA 2026”) received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026, making wide ranging amendments to policing powers and criminal offences in the UK. The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (“ECCTA 2023”) introduced a statutory basis for attributing certain economic crimes to companies through the actions of senior…

Tipping the scales towards a fair and transparent code of practice – are you ready for October 2026?

The Government has published its updated “draft Code of Practice on Fair and Transparent Distribution of Tips” (the Code) outlining the expectations of employers when managing the allocation of tips across the workforce.

National Minimum Wage increases for April 2026

We have now received confirmation on the new rates of National Minimum Wage which will take effect from 1 April 2026.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and Furloughed Workers

The UK Government announced a plan to avoid mass redundancies through the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic by offering to cover 80% of workers’ wages for four months starting retrospectively from 1 March 2020, known as the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (“Scheme”).

New ICO Guidance on Processing Workers’ Health Data

The Information Commissioner’s Office (“ICO”) has published new, detailed guidance which explains an employer’s data protection obligations when they are processing health data concerning their workers.

New Government Guidance on Calculating Holiday Pay and Entitlement

The Government has recently published new guidance on calculating holiday pay and entitlement, following changes to the law from 1 January 2024. 

EHRC Issues Interim Guidance Following Supreme Court Ruling on Definition of a “Woman”

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (“EHRC”) has now issued interim guidance on the practical implications of the Supreme Court’s recent landmark judgment in the case of For Women Scotland v The Scottish Ministers.

A new era for statutory trade union ballots as electronic voting becomes law

On 28 July 2026 the Government published a new statutory Code of Practice permitting the use of electronic and workplace voting methods for statutory trade union ballots

Proposed Changes to the Statutory Paternity Leave Regime

The draft Paternity Leave (Amendment) Regulations 2024 have been put before Parliament.

National Minimum Wage: Don’t get caught out by this interesting quirk! Plus an update from the Low Pay Commission

Many employers won’t be aware of an interesting quirk under the National Minimum Wage Act 1998, which could turn out to be a simple but expensive mistake.

New National Minimum Wage Rates for April 2025 Confirmed

The Government has now announced the new National Minimum Wage rates, set to take effect from 1 April 2025.

Neonatal Leave and Pay to take effect from 6 April 2025

The Department for Business and Trade has announced that the provisions of the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 will take effect from 6 April 2025, having laid the regulations to do so before Parliament this week. 

New national minimum wage rates announced

The new National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage rates have been announced with an implementation date of 1 April 2026.

The World Cup is Here – Is your Workplace Prepared?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is here, and it is one of the largest tournaments in the competition’s history, with matches taking place across United States, Canada and Mexico.

Updated Employment Rights Act 2025 implementation timeline published

On 16 July 2026, the Department for Businesses and Trade published an updated implementation timeline for the upcoming Employment Rights Act 2025 changes.

Employment status - what does the future hold for the gig economy?

Employment status has become a hot topic in recent months, with a number of high profile cases grabbing the headlines. Graham Irons from Howes Percival, explores the recent Uber and Citysprint cases, which determined that “self employed” contractors were actually workers and the impact that this could have on the growing gig economy in the UK.Why does…

Government’s Plans for UK Workplace Reforms

The government has published its much anticipated ‘Good Work Plan’ in response to the recommendations made in the Taylor Review, published in July 2017, which outlined 7 core principles aimed to achieve ‘fair and decent work with realistic scope for development and fulfilment’ for all UK workers.

Worker Protection Bill Update

The House of Lords has recently revised the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Bill, which is currently in the final stages before receiving Royal Assent.

EHRC publishes revised guidance for services on single-sex spaces

On 21 May 2026, the Government laid before Parliament the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s draft updated Code of Practice for services, public functions and associations (the “Code”) which follows the Supreme Court’s judgment in For Women Scotland.

Employment law specialist joins Howes Percival’s Norwich office

Howes Percival has appointed employment law specialist, Caroline Illing as an associate. Caroline joins the firm’s Norwich office from Marshall Motor Group.Caroline has a supportive and pragmatic approach to employment related problems and has extensive experience in supporting clients on day-to day employment matters, as well as providing…

Top ranked employment law team expands to meet growing workload

The head of Howes Percival’s highly rated employment law team says a marked increase in new instructions in the last 12 months is the reason behind a further expansion in its Leicester office.

Employment law specialist joins Howes Percival’s Norwich office

Howes Percival’s employment law team in East Anglia continues to grow from strength to strength with the arrival of Laura Brown, who has been appointed legal director. Laura joins the firm’s Norwich office from Birketts LLP.

Hot off the Press: Employment Rights Bill

The Government has announced that the Employment Rights Bill is being introduced in Parliament later today (10 October 2024).

National Employment Conference 2018

Howes Percival will be holding their popular National Employment Conference on Tuesday, 26 June 2018 at Whittlebury Hall, near Towcester, Northamptonshire.

Employment Law 2021: What to expect

2020 has been an extremely busy year for employment law, with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic placing both employers and employees in uncharted territory. This year saw many employers needing to get to grips with the new concept of ‘furloughing’, keep up to date with ever-changing Government guidance and adapt to homeworking (a change likely to…

Government Publishes ‘Good Work’ Report: Taylor Review

The Government has published the eagerly awaited ‘Good Work’ report setting out the findings of the Taylor Review of Modern Working Practices.

Section 1 statements are changing - make sure your business isn’t caught out

With effect from April 2020, changes to employment Legislation mean that employers must issue not just employees but all workers with a new style of statement, setting out the key terms of their employment. This statement must be provided from day 1 of employment. Matthew Potter, Partner, at Howes Percival takes us through the proposed changes.

Government issues consultation paper on new rights for zero and low-hour workers

On 2 June 2025, the Government issued a consultation paper on the regulations needed to implement the upcoming zero hours measures in the Employment Rights Act 2025.

Employment Law: What to Expect in 2022

2022 promises to be a very interesting year for employment law. Here we summarise some of the issues employers will need to be aware of over the next 12 months.

Employment Law 2020: What to expect

2019 was a busy year for new employment legislation with minimum wage increases, more details in payslips, increased penalties for “aggravated” breaches of employment law to £20,000 and increased Vento awards. The #MeToo campaign also led to non-disclosure clauses / agreements being argued as unenforceable with professional bodies issuing strong cautions…

Howes Percival’s Employment team shortlisted for prestigious legal award

Howes Percival’s East Midlands Employment and HR team have been shortlisted for the ‘Human Resources: Firm (outside London) of the Year’ in the prestigious Legal 500 UK Awards 2020.

Save the Date! National Employment Conference 2018

Howes Percival will be holding their popular National Employment Conference on Tuesday, 26 June 2018 at Whittlebury Hall, near Towcester, Northamptonshire. The National Employment Conference is an all day event starting at 9:00am and ending at 4.00pm.

April 2020 Employment Law Changes

April is always a busy month in the employment law calendar and this year is no exception. There have been a number of key changes to legislation that you need to be aware of as well as several increases to payments.

Howes Percival expands Employment Law team to meet growing demand

Howes Percival has expanded its Employment Law team in the MK/Northampton region, following an increase in new instructions over the last six months.

Key Employment Law Changes in April 2019

We set out below the key employment law changes taking place in April 2019.

Howes Percival Employment Team Ranked Top

The 2017 edition of The Legal 500 - the authoritative guide to the UK's leading law firms - has just been published and we are proud to announce that our employment team has retained its status as a top tier law firm for employment services.

Employment Law 2019: What to Expect

Employment law is always fast moving and provides traps for the unwary employer. Apart from expecting the usual raft of employment tribunal decisions that impact how employers manage their staff, the focus in 2019 will be on pay.

Psychometric Testing and Discrimination

In the Government Legal Service v Brookes the EAT has confirmed the earlier decision of the Employment Tribunal, that a candidate required to carry out a psychometric test as part of a recruitment process, was placed at a particular disadvantage because she had Asperger’s syndrome.

Employers urged to take note of key employment law changes for 2018

Howes Percival comments on key issues and upcoming legislation

Quarantine Employment Rights

On Saturday 25 July 2020 the UK Government announced (with less than 6 hours’ notice) that people arriving to the UK from Spain would be required to enter into a 14 day quarantine, a move which is expected to impact on 1.2 million Britons this August alone.

Pay protection in lesser role could amount to a reasonable adjustment

NEWSThe Employment Appeal Tribunal has held that the duty to make reasonable adjustments for a disabled employee could extend to continuing to pay a higher salary to an employee who is moved to a lesser role.IMPLICATIONSThe Employment Appeal Tribunal’s view was that there was no reason in principle why the duty to make reasonable adjustments should…

Implied Contract Terms and Long-Term Disability

The EAT in Awan v ICTS has held that there was an implied term in an employment contract requiring the employer not to dismiss the employee by reason of ill-health capability if that would result in the employee no longer being entitled to long-term disability benefits.

Employment Rights bill: Unfair Dismissal changes to take effect from early 2026

Last week the Government stepped back from their original proposal under the Employment Rights Bill (“ERB”) to implement day 1 unfair dismissal rights for employees, and instead introduced a six-month qualifying period for unfair dismissal.

Directors personally liable for breach of employment contracts

In Antuzis and others v DJ Houghton and others, the High Court found directors of the defendant company personally liable for breaches of the claimants’ employment contracts.

Employment Law Facts and Figures 2024

Howes Percival provides you with a statistical summary of Employment Law from 2024.To download the summary, please click the link above.For more information or advice about Employment and HR Law, please click here.

Employment Law Facts and Figures 2023

Howes Percival provides you with a statistical summary of Employment Law from 2023.To read more, click the link below.If you want more information or advice about Employment and HR Law, visit this page here.

Government Issues Brexit White Paper

The Government has now published its much anticipated document outlining its main proposals for Brexit and setting out a “comprehensive vision” for the UK’s relationship with the EU, including the way in which existing employment laws will be dealt with.

Top tips for employers when recruiting

Employers are facing a challenging time at the moment in recruitment with a UK-wide labour shortage. If you are lucky enough to find some good candidates it’s important to ensure that your recruitment process does not fall foul of employment law. This article provides some top tips to help you get it right.

Join one of our employment law update seminars in spring 2018

Howes Percival's Employment Team is pleased to announce their employment law update seminars for spring 2018.

Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act 2023

The Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Bill received Royal Assent on 24 May 2023 and will come into force next month, on 24 July 2023.

Zero hours security guard was agency worker and entitled to same basic terms as hirer's permanent employees

The Employment Appeal Tribunal in Brooknight Guarding Limited v Matei has held that a security guard on a zero hours contract was an agency worker under the Agency Worker Regulations 2010, and was not a permanent employee.

Key Employment Law Changes in April 2018

This newsflash looks at the key employment law changes taking place in April 2018.

Employment Law Facts and Figures 2018

We have again created an electronic version of our annual Employment Law Facts and Figures for 2018.

Proving Discrimination Claims in the Employment Tribunal

In Royal Mail Group Ltd v Efobi (2021) the Supreme Court has clarified how Employment Tribunals should approach the burden of proof in discrimination claims, confirming that claimants must discharge an initial burden of proof.

Employment Law Facts and Figures 2019

Howes Percival provides you with a statistical summary of Employment Law from 2019. To read more, click the link below.

Employment Law Facts and Figures 2020

Howes Percival provides you with a statistical summary of Employment Law from 2020. To read more, click the link below.

Employment Law Facts and Figures 2021

Howes Percival provides you with a statistical summary of Employment Law from 2021. To read more, click the link below.

Employment Law Facts and Figures 2022

Howes Percival provides you with a statistical summary of Employment Law from 2022. To read more, click the link below.

Howes Percival expands Cambridge office with two new appointments

Leading regional law firm, Howes Percival has expanded its Cambridge office with the two new appointments. Matthew Darmon has joined the commercial property team, Jonathan Mumby has been appointed to the employment law team.

Employment Law Update Webinar

Howes Percival's Employment team is pleased to announce their spring employment law update webinars.

On the 40th anniversary of the Early May Bank Holiday law firm reminds employers of the rules concerning public holidays

This year marks 40 years since the introduction of the Early May Bank Holiday, which is celebrated on the first Monday of May. Leading regional law firm Howes Percival is using the anniversary to remind employers of the law surrounding bank holidays.

Employment contract split between multiple transferee employers

The recently decided European Court of Justice (ECJ) case, ISS Facility Services v Govaerts, could have significant implications for UK employers, specifically affecting the way the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE) are applied where a TUPE transfer involves multiple transferees.

Top ranked employment law team announces expansion as turnover up 23%

Howes Percival has expanded its highly rated employment law team in response to an increase in instructions over the last year.

Substantial rise in Tribunal Claims

Statistics released for employment tribunal claims for the period April to June 2018 show significant increases in the number of claims being brought.

“Self-employed” plumber held to be a worker

NEWSIn Pimlico Plumbers Limited v Smith, the Court of Appeal has upheld the decision of the Employment Appeal Tribunal to find that Mr Smith, who was engaged as a self-employed contractor, was also a “worker” under the Employment Rights Act 1996 and the Working Time Regulations 1998, and an “employee” under the wider definition of that term in the…

Employee’s letter giving ‘notice’ was not a resignation

The EAT in East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust v Levy has held that a tribunal was entitled to find that an employee’s letter to her employer giving ‘one month’s notice’ was not a letter of resignation.

Employer not vicariously liable for actions of self-employed contractor

In Barclays Bank plc v Various Claimants the Supreme Court has confirmed that an employer will not be vicariously liable for the actions of genuinely self-employed contractors it has engaged.

Four Employment Rights Bill consultations launched by Government

On 23 October 2025, the Government launched four consultations in respect of a number of rights and protections that will be introduced following the implementation of the Employment Rights Bill (“the Bill”).

Autumn Budget 2017 - Employment Implications

Yesterday the Chancellor of the Exchequer delivered his Autumn Budget for 2017 and this newsflash sets out the key implications for employers and employees.

Unlawful Deductions: Series of deductions not broken by gap of three months

The Court of Appeal of Northern Ireland has confirmed in the case of Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland v Agnew (and others) that a series of deductions will not necessarily be broken where there is a gap of 3 months between deductions.

Employer not liable for disability discrimination when it became aware of disability after dismissal.

The Employment Appeal Tribunal has held that an employee, dismissed during her probationary period for poor performance, was not discriminated against because her employer was only made aware of her disability following the dismissal (Stott v Ralli Ltd).FactsMs Stott worked for Ralli Ltd and was dismissed for poor performance during her probationary…

Howes Percival Wins Award for Employment Support in Norwich

Howes Percival has been awarded with a bronze accreditation for supporting the ‘Norwich for Jobs’ programme.

Employment Law Facts and Figures 2018

Howes Percival provides you with a statistical summary of Employment Law from 2018. To read more, click the link below.

Update: Government Publishes Full Response to Taylor Review

Following yesterday morning’s press release, the Government has now published its full response to the Taylor Review and launched four consultations on employment status, increasing transparency in the labour market, agency workers, and enforcement of employment rights.

Can an employer be liable for its employees’ discriminatory Facebook posts?

In Forbes v LHR Airport Limited the EAT considered whether a discriminatory Facebook post was made by an employee “in the course of their employment”. If so, the employer could be liable for it.

Hat-trick for Howes Percival at Legal Excellence Awards

Howes Percival enjoyed a fantastic evening at the Cambridgeshire Law Society Legal Excellence Awards, where they celebrated a hat-trick winning ‘Employment Team of the Year’, ‘Dispute Resolution Team of the Year’ and ‘Senior Lawyer of the Year’.

Government Publishes Proposals in Response to Taylor Review

The Government has this morning published its proposals for implementing aspects of the Taylor Review.

Five new partners among 31 senior promotions at Howes Percival

Leading regional law firm, Howes Percival has announced 31 senior promotions, including five new partners, Jennifer Laskey, Alexandra Hornsby, Nick Benton, Tom Redman and Jamie Childs.

The future of care: navigating pressure in a stretched system

Last week, our Health and Social Care team hosted an invitation-only roundtable dinner, bringing together care providers, funders and advisers to discuss the key challenges and priorities shaping the care sector.

Sanctity of Copyright Is Not a Protected Philosophical Belief

In the case of Gray v Mulberry Company (Design) Ltd, the EAT have found that the employee’s belief in protecting ownership of her artistic creations was not a protected belief.

How to Handle an Employment Tribunal Claim - Tips for Employers

Employment and HR law expert and partner at Howes Percival, Graham Irons gives some tips for employers on how to manage employment tribunal claims.

Discrimination claim succeeds despite employer not knowing that misconduct caused by disability

The Court of Appeal upheld a claim for discrimination arising from a disability even though the employer was not aware that the disability caused the employee’s gross misconduct when dismissing.

Right to work checks are expanding from 1 October 2026: what employers, contractors and labour users need to do now

From 1 October 2026, the obligation to carry out right to work checks will expand beyond traditional employees to a much wider range of working arrangements.

Covid-19 Update: The Furlough Scheme and Insolvency

Following on from our previous updates on the effect of the Government’s furlough scheme (the “Scheme”) and its impact on sales out of administrations, the Government has provided a further update, and the High Court has made its first decision on the interrelation between the Scheme and insolvency practice in the context of the recent administration…

Join Our Employment Law Update Seminars in November

Our series of free employment seminars will give employers and human resources professionals a useful overview of forthcoming changes to employment law and key decisions by employment tribunals.

Can you continue furlough payments during redundancy notice periods?

Caroline Illing, associate in the employment team at Howes Percival, explains the legality of using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to cover the cost of redundancy notice periods.

Howes Percival warns employers against the risks of mandatory ‘no jab, no job’ policies

Howes Percival is urging companies to consider the risks of adopting a blanket ‘no jab, no job’ employment policy.

5 things to consider when buying a pub

Whether it’s a beer-fuelled plan after a night drinking with friends, or a carefully considered new business venture, many of us have thought about buying the local village pub. However, taking over and running a licensed premises comes with a unique set of considerations, and so we have put together our quick top 5 guide of things to think about before…

Supreme Court holds Morrisons supermarket was not vicariously liable for payroll data breach by its employee

The Supreme Court has overturned the previous decisions of the Court of Appeal and High Court, finding that Morrisons supermarket were not vicariously liable for the unauthorised uploading of payroll data to the internet by an employee who used his own personal equipment at home on his day off.

Care sector employers are relieved to hear sleep-in workers are not entitled to National Minimum Wage whilst sleeping at work

The Supreme Court has delivered its judgment in Royal Mencap Society v Tomlinson-Blake and Shannon v Rampersad and another (T/A Clifton House Residential Home). The case considered whether two “sleep-in” care workers were entitled to National Minimum Wage (“NMW”) during all shift hours including those spent sleeping at or near their place of work.

Updated Vento Bands 2023

The Presidents of the Employment Tribunals in England & Wales and Scotland have announced an increase to the “Vento Bands” – the guidelines used by Employment Tribunals in assessing awards for injury to feelings in discrimination claims.

Key Employment Law Changes in April 2017

This newsflash looks at the key employment law changes taking place in April 2017.

Legislation requiring payslips to state number of hours being paid for time-paid workers laid before Parliament

The Employment Rights Act 1996 (Itemised Pay Statement) (Amendment) Order 2018, which requires payslips to state the number of hours being paid for time-paid workers, was laid before Parliament yesterday.

Redundancies: Unfair for employers to decide on a selection pool of one employee without consulting on selection criteria first

In the recent case of Mogane v Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, the Employment Appeal Tribunal has held that the dismissal of a nurse was unfair where the selection criteria put her in a selection pool of one and no consultation took place before deciding on the selection pool.

Working notice period after resigning in response to repudiatory breach could constitute affirmation.

The High Court in Brown & Anor v Neon Management Ltd & Anor has ruled that employees working a notice period of six months or more could result in them affirming the contract and waiving the employer’s repudiatory breach, although in this case the claimants had not done so as the employer committed further breaches in their notice periods.

Pensions, Employment and Divorce - Achieving Equality

Family law partner, Justine Flack and employment law partner, Graham Irons consider the importance of taking pensions into account on divorce and the value of employer pension schemes.

Women and Equalities Committee Publishes Report on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

The Women and Equalities Committee (a Parliamentary select committee) has published the results of its six month long inquiry into sexual harassment in the workplace, and has set out a number of recommendations which it is calling on the Government to implement.

Supreme Court confirms 'Pimlico Plumbers' decision that independent contractor was a worker

The Court of Appeal’s ruling in Pimlico Plumbers Limited v Smith, that a plumber whose contract described him as an independent contractor was a worker under the Employment Rights Act 1996 (ERA) and Working Time Regulations 1998 (WTR), and in employment for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010, has been upheld by the Supreme Court.

ASDA loses latest “round” in equal pay battle

NEWSThe Employment Tribunal in the ASDA stores equal pay litigation has allowed female claimants in retail stores to compare their pay with men in distribution centres. This means the claimants have overcome an important hurdle in their claim for equal pay.IMPLICATIONSThis case concerns around 7,000 claimants working in the retail division of ASDA…

How could redundancy impact my Divorce Settlement?

Amy Walpole considers the impact of redundancy on financial settlements within Divorce settlements.

Life in Northampton as a Trainee Solicitor

James Pitts is a trainee solicitor in our Northampton Office. Here he explains what Northampton as a town has to offer to potential trainees and the work involved at the office.

Government Announcements & Consultations: Changes to Working Time Regulations, TUPE Consultations and Non-Compete Clauses

The Government has announced several employment law changes, to be brought in as part of a series of regulatory reforms intended to boost economic growth and cut costs for businesses across the UK. These are set out in the ‘Smarter Regulation to Grow the Economy’ paper and are being driven in light of the UK’s departure from the EU

Injury to feelings: middle band Vento award for one-off act of discrimination

In Base Childrenswear v Otshudi, the EAT has upheld a Tribunal decision to award compensation of £16,000 for a one-off act of race discrimination. The case also suggests employers are obliged to deal with post-employment grievances, in accordance with the ACAS Code on Disciplinary and Grievance procedures.

TUPE: Contractual variations void despite being beneficial to employee

In Ferguson and ors v Astrea Asset Management Ltd, the EAT has confirmed that variations to an employment contract are void if the sole or principal reason for the variation is a TUPE transfer, even where the variations are beneficial to the transferring employee.

Government Consultation: Reforming non-compete restrictive covenants

The Government has recently announced that it is consulting on proposed reforms to non-compete restrictive covenants used in employment contracts.

Holiday entitlement: Harpur Trust v Brazel – Supreme Court decision

The Supreme Court’s recent judgment in the case of The Harpur Trust v Brazel will have substantial implications for many sectors who regularly engage permanent part-year or casual workers.

Holiday entitlement in the care sector - Harper Trust v Brazel

Many businesses rely upon ‘part-year workers’ or casual workers in order to meet seasonal or market demands. The recent additional pressure placed on the care sector as a result of both the pandemic and the concurring staffing issues, may have resulted in a number of care sector operators relying on casual workers to cover any staff shortages they…

New Compensation Limits from 6 April 2019

The Employment Rights (Increase of Limits) Order 2019 will increase the compensation and weekly pay limits that are payable from 6 April 2019.

DISMISSAL FOR ‘PERSONAL’ REASONS WAS TUPE-RELATED

In the case of Hare Wines Limited v Kaur, the Court of Appeal upheld a decision of the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) that dismissal of an employee immediately before a TUPE transfer was automatically unfair because the principal reason was the transfer and not ‘personal’ reasons relevant to the employee’s circumstances as argued by the employer.

Reasonable belief that a disclosure is made in the public interest is sufficient

In Okwu v Rise Community Action the EAT has emphasised the importance of employment tribunals considering whether an employee reasonably believes their protected disclosure was made in the public interest, when determining whistleblowing claims.

IR35: Revised HMRC Guidance Published

HMRC has recently published revisions to its Employment Status Manual, which includes guidance to off-payroll working legislation. The revisions are made in anticipation of the significant reforms coming into force on 6 April 2021.

Updated Vento Bands

The Presidents of the Employment Tribunals in England & Wales and Scotland have recently issued guidance increasing these for claims presented on or after 6 April 2022.

Employers warned not to ask about pregnancy or children during recruitment

Howes Percival outlines questions employers should never ask during the recruitment process.

Increased injury to feelings compensation in discrimination cases

Uprated “Vento Bands” for injury to feelings compensation in discrimination cases have been published.

Rules relaxed for carrying over annual leave

An amendment has been made to the Working Time Regulations allowing workers to carry over some of their statutory annual leave entitlement into the next two years, where it is not reasonably practicable for them to take holiday due to coronavirus.

Extension of ban on exclusivity clauses

The government are proposing a widening of the ban on exclusivity clauses in workers’ contracts.

Autumn Budget 2018 – Employment Implications

Yesterday Philip Hammond, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, delivered his Autumn Budget for 2018. The main implications for employers and employees are summarised below.

Can you reverse your pre-Budget gifts?

Following sustained pressure from various lobbying groups, opposition MPs, farmers and business owners, on 23rd December 2025 the government announced changes to the proposed Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) reforms that were originally announced in the Autumn Budget 2024.

Howes Percival recommended for 21 different legal specialisms in The Legal 500

The 2025 edition of The Legal 500 – the authoritative guide to the UK’s leading law firms – has recommended Howes Percival for 21 different legal specialisms and awarded the firm top tier ranking for 13 – two more than last year.

Workers “prevented” from taking paid holiday can carry it over

In King v The Sash Window Workshop Ltd, the Advocate General has held that workers who are not given paid holiday are to be treated as being prevented from taking it and can carry over their accrued holiday until they are given the right to take paid holiday or, failing that, receive payment for it when they leave.

Type 2 diabetes could be a disability

NEWSIn Taylor v Ladbrokes Betting and Gaming Ltd, the employment appeal tribunal considered the argument that type 2 diabetes should be treated as a progressive condition under the Equality Act 2010 and therefore deemed to be a disability. The case was remitted to the employment tribunal to be reconsidered in light of further medical evidence.DETAILSUnder…

Appeal Decision: Yarmouth Road, Blofield, Norwich

Decision1. The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for a mixed use development comprising a maximum of 175 residential units, a maximum of 4,000m2 of employment floorspace (class B1), and open space, on land on the north side of Yarmouth Road, Blofield, Norwich, in accordance with the terms of the application, Ref 20111303, dated 31…

Supermarket vicariously liable for payroll data breach by employee

The Court of Appeal in WM Morrison Supermarkets plc v Various Claimants has upheld the High Court decision that an employer was vicariously liable for the actions of a rogue employee who disclosed the personal information of 100,000 employees on the internet.

Court of Appeal Allows Asda Workers’ Claim for Equal Pay

In Asda Stores v Brierley and ors, the Court of Appeal have dismissed an appeal from Asda that sought to challenge the rulings of the Employment Tribunal and Employment Appeal Tribunal allowing Asda store employees to compare their role with higher paid warehouse staff for the purposes of their claim for equal pay.

Upcoming Changes to Flexible Working Requests

Employees are set to have more rights in respect of flexible working requests, as the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 has received Royal Assent on 20 July 2023.

Ethical Veganism is a protected philosophical belief

The Norwich Employment Tribunal has found that ethical veganism is a philosophical belief capable of protection under the Equality Act 2010. As such, ethical vegans are now likely to be protected against discrimination because of their belief.

Adverse Weather – an employer’s guide to weathering the storm

Do I have to pay employees unable to get to work because of bad weather conditions?

Six new partners among 25 promotions at rapidly growing law firm

Howes Percival has announced 25 promotions, including six new partners, following another year of double-digit growth for the firm.

Benefits payable until Claimant’s retirement or death as a result of discriminatory dismissal

In ICTS (UK) Limited v Visram, the EAT has upheld a Tribunal’s decision to award compensation for loss of a long term disability benefit (‘LTDB’) on the basis it would continue until the Claimant’s death or retirement.

Restrictive Covenants: unreasonable restriction made enforceable with deletions

In the case of Tillman v Eghon Zehnder Ltd, the Supreme Court has confirmed that words can be deleted from a restrictive covenant in order to make an otherwise void restriction enforceable.

Howes Percival marks fourth anniversary in Cambridge with party for clients and contacts

Howes Percival celebrated the fourth anniversary of the opening of its Cambridge office, with a party at Downing College. Over 100 clients and contacts joined partners and staff to mark the occasion with an evening of drinks, canapes and music.

Emergency Volunteering Leave

The Coronavirus Act 2020 has now come into force which introduces a number of immediate emergency measures in response to the current Covid-19 pandemic.

Acas Early Conciliation to be a standard 6 week period

From today, 1 December 2020, the Acas Early Conciliation process is changing. The standard period for Acas Early Conciliation will become 6 weeks in all cases. Previously, parties had an initial 4 weeks which could be extended with consent for a further 2 weeks.

Do employees get a day off for the state funeral on 19 September 2022?

The Government has also confirmed there is no statutory entitlement to time off for the additional bank holiday to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral, sparking controversy on social media and causing confusion amongst both employers and employees alike as to what employees are actually entitled to in respect of bank holidays.

Employment Law Facts and Figures 2017

Howes Percival provides you with a statistical summary of Employment Law from 2017.To read more, click the link below.

A 5 Month Gap in Operations Does Not Prevent a TUPE Transfer

In the Spanish case of Colino Sigüenza v Ayuntamiento de Valladolid and others the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has held that a gap of 5 months in the operation of an entity does not preclude a TUPE transfer.

Disability discrimination and excluded conditions

The EAT in Wood v Durham County Council has confirmed a ‘tendency to steal’ is not an impairment and therefore does not satisfy the definition of disability for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010.

New right to parental bereavement leave

The Government is introducing the right to parental bereavement leave and pay and the new rights are expected to come into force on 6 April 2020.

Guidance for Employers– Who is a “Key Worker”?

Yesterday the government published guidance on maintaining educational provision for key workers who are critical to the COVID-19 response and for their children who cannot be safely cared for at home.

Should injury to feelings awards in discrimination claims increase by £10,000?

The Presidents of the Employment Tribunals have issued a judicial consultation on a proposal to uprate the bands of compensation for injury to feelings awards.

Supreme Court decides tribunal fees are unlawful

The Supreme Court has allowed the appeal by Unison against the legality of employment tribunal fees, holding that the current fees regime prevents access to justice and is unlawful.