Can I Use GDPR to Void an NDA? UK Guide to Data Erasure Rights
Key Takeaways You cannot usually use GDPR to have an NDA wiped entirely, but you may have the right to request erasure of personal data held within the agreement. In the UK, your right to erasure under GDPR does not override an enforceable NDA if a valid legal reason exists to keep processing your data. […]
Working Hours for 17 Year Olds UK: Legal Limits, Breaks & Employer Guide
Key Takeaways UK law sets strict limits on working hours for 17 year olds to protect health, safety, and wellbeing. A 17 year old in the UK can work a maximum of 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week, with no opt-out. Employers must provide at least a 30-minute break if a shift […]
Gross Misconduct Employer Guidance: Step-by-Step UK Dismissal Process
Key Takeaways Using precise gross misconduct employer guidance allows you to comply with UK employment law and reduce unfair dismissal risks. Clear definitions of gross misconduct under the Employment Rights Act 1996 are crucial for lawful disciplinary action. Missing a fair disciplinary process can lead to costly employment tribunal cases and harm your business’s reputation. […]
Ex Gratia Payment Tax Free UK: Legal Rules, HMRC Guidance & Checklist
Key Takeaways Ex gratia payments can be tax free in the UK if they meet strict HMRC rules and are genuinely non-contractual. It is essential to distinguish between ex gratia, contractual payments, and Payments in Lieu of Notice (PILON) because incorrect classification can create a tax liability. There is a £30,000 tax-free threshold for qualifying […]
Being Recorded at Work Without Consent UK: Know Your Rights & Next Steps
Key Takeaways In the UK, being recorded at work without your knowledge or consent may breach your privacy rights and could be unlawful under the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR. Employers must usually inform staff before making workplace recordings; covert recording without consent is rarely justified. If you discover you have been recorded without […]
Cameras in the Workplace: Employee Rights UK Law Explained
Key Takeaways UK law sets strict rules for workplace cameras under the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, with employee privacy protected as a legal right. Employers must always inform staff if cameras are present, clearly explaining why filming takes place and how footage is managed. Cameras in private areas or the use […]
Can You Get Fired for Being Sick? UK Rights & 2024 Law Update
Key Takeaways In the UK, you cannot generally be dismissed simply for being sick. However, employers may lawfully terminate your employment for repeated or long-term sickness absence if strict procedures are followed. The Equality Act 2010 safeguards employees from dismissal related to a disability or long-term illness, obliging employers to make reasonable adjustments before any […]
What Is Collective Bargaining? UK Law, Process & Employer Risks
Key Takeaways Collective bargaining is a formal legal process in England and Wales where employers and recognised trade unions negotiate terms such as pay, hours, and workplace conditions. Poorly drafted collective agreements can lead to disputes, confusion, or unenforceable terms—placing a business at significant legal and operational risk. The core legal framework for UK collective […]
Is a 12 Month Restrictive Covenant Enforceable in the UK?
Key Takeaways A 12 month restrictive covenant in the UK can only be enforced if it protects a genuine business interest and is reasonable in duration, scope, and geography. Overly broad or unfair 12 month restrictions may unlawfully prevent you from working in your field or joining a competitor, potentially harming your career and income. […]
How Many Sick Days a Year Is Normal? UK Law & 2024 Guide
Key Takeaways In the UK, the typical range for sick days per employee per year is 4 to 7 days, with some industries seeing higher averages. There is no fixed legal limit on sick days—however, employers may investigate frequent or extended absences under fair HR procedures. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is only available to eligible […]
