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Guides

Designed for practitioners, our guides provide recommendations and advice on how to apply good practice in the workplace.

11 Guides about Employment law
Guide
People manager guide: Family leave
Advice for managers on how they can help to manage maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental, parental leave and parental bereavement leave
For Members
Guide
People manager guide: Dismissal
Information for managers on what happens when the decision is made to dismiss a member of their team and how to avoid mistakes
For Members
Guide
Zero-hours contracts: Understanding the law
Understand what employers need to do to manage zero-hours contracts within the law
For Members
Guide
Disciplinary and grievance procedures: Guidance for managers
Advice on how the disciplinary process is used to deal with misconduct or poor performance and how to best handle a grievance from a member of staff
For Members
Guide
Agency workers: Understanding the law
Understand what employers need to do to manage agency workers within the law 
For Members
Guide
Fire and rehire: Guide for employers
What this practice is, why you should avoid it, and how to approach it if no other options are available
Guide
Atypical working: Guidance for employers
Practical guidance to help you identify and implement good atypical working practices
For Members
Guide
People manager guide: Redundancy
Advice for managers when a member of staff on their team faces redundancy
For Members
Guide
Fixed-term contracts: Guide for employers
Understand what employers need to do to manage fixed-term contracts within the law
For Members
Guide
Self-employed contractors: Understanding the law
Understand what employers need to do to manage self-employed contractors within the law
For Members
Guide
IR35 implications for consultants
Whether you use the services of a consultant or are a consultant yourself, you’ll need to understand the ramifications of IR35 – and what you can do about them
For Members

Employment law

Practical resources to help you address employment law issues at work, and keep up with recent and pending legislation.

35 Employment law about Employment law
Employment law
Tracking UK law changes under the ERB
Keep up to date with what will change under the Employment Rights Bill, the Equality (Race and Disability) Bill and the plan to Make Work Pay
For Members
Employment law
Sex discrimination: UK employment law
Explore our collection of resources around legal issues relating to sex discrimination in the workplace, including pregnancy and maternity discrimination
For Members
Employment law
Timetable of employment law changes UK
Keep up to date with the latest employment law developments and proposed future changes
For Members
Employment law
UK employment law and the EU
The UK’s relationship with EU employment law post-Brexit
For Members
Employment law
Terms and conditions of employment: UK employment law
Explore our collection of resources covering terms and conditions of employment, including Q&As and relevant case law
For Members
Employment law
Annual leave: UK employment law
The CIPD's dedicated legal resource on holiday entitlement for all types of worker. This page includes guidance leave allowances and pay and a downloadable infographic on what you need to know about annual leave.
For Members
Employment law
Maternity, paternity, shared parental and adoption leave and pay
Explore our collection of resources around parental rights, including commonly-asked questions and relevant case law, and download infographics on what you need to know about maternity leave and pay.
For Members
Employment law
Health and safety: UK employment law
Explore legal issues surrounding health and safety at work, including employers' obligations
For Members
Employment law
Pregnancy and maternity discrimination: UK employment law
Explore the legal issues relating to pregnancy and maternity discrimination in the workplace
For Members
Employment law
Age discrimination: UK employment law
Explore our collection of resources around legal issues relating to age discrimination in the workplace including Q&As and relevant case law
For Members
Employment law
Recruitment: UK employment law
Explore our collection of resources and Q&As covering the recruitment process, from pre-employment checks, to employing overseas workers
For Members
Employment law
Equal pay: UK employment law
In the UK, the Equality Act 2010 creates a legal obligation for equal pay for men and women, performing equal work. This resource explains how employers can ensure equal pay, as well as looking at case law in the area.
For Members
Employment law
UK statutory rates and compensation limits
A round up of the year's statutory rates, including compensation limits, family friendly payments, statutory sick pay, minimum wage, disclosure and barring fees and National Insurance contribution
For Members
Employment law
Race discrimination: UK employment law
Explore our collection of resources around legal issues surrounding race discrimination at work, including Q&As and case law examples
For Members
Employment law
Sickness absence management: UK employment law
Explore our collection of resources around legal issues surrounding absence, including Q&As
For Members
Employment law
Sexual orientation discrimination: UK employment law
Explore our collection of resources around the legal issues relating to sexual orientation discrimination in the workplace including Q&As and relevant case law
For Members
Employment law
Discipline and grievance procedures: UK employment law
Explore our collection of resources on disciplinary and grievance procedures and conflict resolution
For Members
Employment law
AI and technology in the workplace: UK employment law
Guidance on the legal considerations on the use of technology and AI in UK workplaces
For Members
Employment law
Employment status: UK employment law
Explore our collection of resources around legal issues surrounding employees and workers, including Q&As for various types of workers and relevant case law
For Members
Employment law
Redundancy: UK employment law
Explore our collection of resources on redundancy, including managing and planning for redundancies, commonly asked Q&As and relevant case law
For Members
Employment law
Employment law: differences between Northern Ireland and Great Britain
An overview of the main differences in employment law between Northern Ireland and Great Britain (made up of England, Scotland and Wales)
For Members
Employment law
Employment law in the UK: How it is made
Understand how law is made in the UK and how claims are processed in the tribunal and court system
For Members
Employment law
Data protection, surveillance and privacy at work: UK employment law
Explore our collection of resources surrounding the legal issues relating to data protection, surveillance and privacy in the workplace
For Members
Employment law
Tribunal claims: UK employment law
Explore our collection of resources around legal issues involved in an employment tribunal claim, including Q&As and relevant case law
For Members
Employment law
Bullying and harassment: UK employment law
Explore our collection of resources around bullying and harassment in the workplace
For Members
Employment law
TUPE: UK employment law
What you need to know about TUPE transfers; including how the UK court see breaches of these notoriously complex regulations.
For Members
Employment law
Marriage and civil partnership discrimination: UK employment law
Explore the legal issues relating to marriage and civil partnership discrimination in the workplace
For Members
Employment law
Religion and belief discrimination: UK employment law
Explore our collection of resources around legal issues relating to religion and belief discrimination in the workplace, including philosophical beliefs
For Members
Employment law
Dismissal: UK employment law
Explore our collection of resources on fair and unfair dismissal, including the branches of unfair dismissal such as constructive dismissal, and laws around wrongful dismissal. This resource includes common questions and answers plus relevant case law
For Members
Employment law
Whistleblowing: UK employment law
Explore our collection of resources around legal issues relating to whistleblowing in the workplace
For Members
Employment law
Working time: UK employment law
CIPD guidance on the legality of working hours in the UK
For Members
Employment law
Flexible and hybrid working: UK employment law
Explore our collection of resources around legal issues relating to flexible and hybrid working, including the changes to the right to request flexible working
For Members
Employment law
Stress and wellbeing: UK employment law
CIPD's resource on employers' legal obligations to reduce work-related stress and increase employee wellbeing. This resource includes legislation and case law, demonstrating how this issue is seen in the courts.
For Members
Employment law
Disability discrimination: UK employment law
CIPD law page on disability discrimination in the workplace. This resource explores legislation and case law in this field to demonstrate how disability discrimination claims are seen in the courts. You can also
For Members
Employment law
Trade union recognition and industrial action
Legality of sanctioning workers who strike
For Members

Reports

Research and analysis by experts from CIPD and partner organisations

Seven Reports about Employment law
Report
Regulation and the labour market
Analysis of suggested changes to employment regulation through the Employment Rights Bill, highlighting the challenges policymakers should take into account
Report
Migrant workers and skills shortages in the UK
This report looks at the role of immigration in the context of the post-Brexit skills challenges
Report
Zero-hours contracts: evolution and current status
An evaluation of the use and impact of zero-hours contracts
Report
What should an effective sick pay system look like?
Recommendations for ensuring a financial safety net for workers during illness
Report
Employers’ legal guide to post-Brexit immigration
Practical guidance on navigating the UK’s new points-based system for HR and employers
Report
Reforming employment status and strengthening rights
Drawing on policy insight and stakeholder input, the CIPD proposes a new approach to labour market enforcement
Report
Revamping labour market enforcement in the UK
Drawing on policy insight and stakeholder input, the CIPD proposes a new approach to labour market enforcement

Thought leadership

Insight and foresight from our experts in people and the world of work

36 Thought leadership about Employment law
Thought leadership
Briefing | UK Employment Rights Bill edges towards final stages
CIPD Senior Public Affairs Manager Carl Quilliam and Senior Public Affairs Officer Claire Deller-Rust summarise the state of play on the UK Employment Rights Bill as parliament returns from recess and the bill readies for progress through its final stages
Thought leadership
Briefing | CIPD responds to UK Government parental leave and pay review
The CIPD is calling on the UK Government to reform the parental leave and pay system to provide greater choice, fairness and flexibility for working parents
Thought leadership
UK employment law September 2025: Soon to be Employment Rights Act
This month: The soon to be Employment Rights Act, dismissal following personal use of a work computer and the Lidl GB and EHRC agreement
Thought leadership
UK employment law August 2025: Disability discrimination claims increase
This month: Disability discrimination, things to check in September, staff fraud and monitoring onsite attendance
Thought leadership
UK employment law July 2025: Legal changes the people profession need to know
This month: Parental leave call for evidence, Employment Rights Bill latest, tribunal outcomes and law this summer holidays
Thought leadership
Briefing | Ahead of the summer recess, we review the latest proposals for the UK Employment Rights Bill
Carl Quilliam and Claire Deller-Rust summarise the UK Government’s Employment Rights Bill (ERB) amendments and the key next steps to watch out for
Thought leadership
Briefing | Immigration rule changes from July 2025
We outline the imminent changes to the UK’s Immigration Rules and highlight the implications and actions for employers
Thought leadership
UK employment law June 2025: New law employers need to know for October
This month: New crime law, Industrial Strategy, remote working tribunal and AI investment report
Thought leadership
Employment relations skills key to success of trade union reforms
CIPD Chief Executive Peter Cheese, and Prospect trade union General Secretary Mike Clancy, outline the need for effective partnership working between employers and trade unions and the support needed from the UK Government
Thought leadership
UK employment law round-up: May 2025
This month: Employment Rights Bill questions, the immigration white paper and a certain tribunal to have on your radar
Thought leadership
Briefing | How is the Employment Rights Bill progressing?
The CIPD continues to engage with the UK Government as its landmark Employment Rights Bill goes through committee stage in the House of Lords
Thought leadership
Briefing | Overview of key policy and political issues in devolved nations
With elections due for both the Scottish and Welsh Parliaments in 2026, Fraser Welsh examines the key areas the CIPD will be engaging on in both nations to help influence policy affecting the world of work
Thought leadership
Briefing | NI 'Good Jobs' Employment Rights Bill: Way forward outlined
We examine the provisions of the Northern Ireland 'Good Jobs' Employment Rights Bill and explain the similarities and key differences to those in the Employment Rights Bill which will apply elsewhere in the UK
Thought leadership
UK employment law round-up: April 2025
This month: Supreme Court Equality Act ruling, modern slavery changes, significant equality consultation, plus, tribunal rulings
Thought leadership
Briefing | EHRC interim update on Supreme Court ruling on definition of "sex"
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has released an interim update highlighting the main implications of the judgement for employers
Thought leadership
Analysis | The Employment Rights Bill’s unintended consequences
Ben Willmott highlights the potential impact of the UK Employment Rights Bill and the need for further consultation and refinement
Thought leadership
Briefing | Supreme Court clarifies definition of “sex” in Equality Act
UK employers need to review sex-based policies and practices to ensure compliance with new ruling
Thought leadership
Employer costs and law changes checklist for April 2025
Overview of recent changes in employment law, including a checklist for April's new rates and updates on the Employment Rights Bill amendments
Thought leadership
Briefing | CIPD urges UK Chancellor to focus on skills
The CIPD calls on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to use the Spring Statement and Spending Review as an opportunity to focus attention and investment on skills, management practice and business support
Thought leadership
Briefing | Engaging the UK Government on what matters to the profession
We outline the key public policy areas on work and employment in the UK and explain how the CIPD has been informing and influencing policy-making on behalf of members and the wider profession
Thought leadership
Briefing | UK Employment Rights Bill: Amended but not complete
Rachel Suff outlines the key developments noted in the UK Government’s recent amendments and considers the implications for organisations and the role of the people profession in delivering on these changes
Thought leadership
Briefing | What are the options for employment status reform?
CIPD research shows widespread use of ‘worker’ status by employers, highlighting the need for careful consultation over reform
Thought leadership
UK employment law round-up: February 2025
This month: Higgs v Farmor’s School and the implications for employers, Asda equal pay case, latest on NDAs, plus three tribunal rulings of note
Thought leadership
Briefing | Could new rules on NDAs prevent UK workers from being silenced?
As the UK Government reviews the use of non-disclosure agreements around bullying and sexual harassment, we investigate how they’re currently being used in the UK and what impact changes to laws in this area could have.
Thought leadership
UK employment law round-up: January 2025
This month: What the law says on AI, how businesses in the UK are accountable to the EU AI Act, and what to expect in employment law in 2025
Thought leadership
UK employment law round-up: December 2024
This month: plan to Make Work Pay, race harassment and legal changes for 2025
Thought leadership
Analysis | How reward professionals can manage the impact of the Autumn Budget
CIPD pay and reward adviser Charles Cotton explores the impact of the UK’s Autumn Budget 2024 and recommends how reward professionals should respond
Thought leadership
UK employment law round-up: November 2024
This month: National Insurance contributions, side hustles and worker status
Thought leadership
Analysis | How proposed reforms can manage the pros and cons of zero-hours contracts
Recent data on employees' contrasting views on these contracts gives insight into how best to approach reforms.
Thought leadership
UK employment law round-up: October 2024
This month: Employment Rights Bill, sexual harassment preventative duty and modern slavery
Thought leadership
Briefing | Proposed employment law changes in Northern Ireland
The Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill seeks to give new protections for those living and working in Northern Ireland
Thought leadership
Briefing | After recent claims, where next for equal pay?
Charles Cotton, CIPD senior adviser on pay and reward, explains the recent cases on equal pay claims and explores how you can protect yourself as an employer while also paying people fairly
Thought leadership
Analysis | Proposed changes to unfair dismissal rules risk more insecure work
Meaningful consultation is needed to ensure the Employment Rights Bill delivers intended outcomes, says Ben Willmott, CIPD Head of Public Policy
Thought leadership
UK employment law round-up: September 2024
This month: indirect associative discrimination, fire and rehire, equal pay and National Minimum Wage
Thought leadership
UK employment law round-up: August 2024
This month: plan to Make Work Pay, tipping law, worker status of volunteers and TUPE
Thought leadership
UK employment law round-up: July 2024
This month: Employment Rights Bill, EHRC sexual harassment technical guidance and the legal timetable

Policy engagements

Our calls for action.

Nine Policy engagements about Employment law
Policy engagement
CIPD consultation response: Make Work Pay – Employment Rights Bill
Submission to the Business and Trade Committee
Policy engagement
CIPD consultation response: Pensions Investment Review: Unlocking the UK pensions market for growth
Submission to the UK Department for Work and Pensions and HM Treasury
Policy engagement
CIPD consultation response: Labour Market Enforcement Strategy
Submission to the Department for Business and Trade
Policy engagement
CIPD consultation response: Zero-hours contracts for agency workers
Our response to the Department for Business and Trade’s consultation on the application of zero hours contracts measures to agency workers. 
Policy engagement
CIPD consultation response: A modern industrial relations framework
Our response to the Department for Work and Pensions' consultation on creating a modern industrial relations framework
Policy engagement
CIPD consultation response: Good Jobs Employment Rights Bill NI
Submission to the Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland
Policy engagement
CIPD consultation response: Autumn 2024 Budget and Spending Review
Read our submission to the HM Treasury regarding the Autumn 2024 Budget and Spending Review
Policy engagement
Calling for a more progressive and supportive approach to enforcing employment rights
Read our letter to the UK’s Director of Labour Market Enforcement as part of the call for evidence for the Labour Market Enforcement Strategy 2024 to 2025
Policy engagement
Good work plan: establishing a new single enforcement body for employment rights
Read the CIPD's submission to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Learning

We offer a range of evidence-based courses tauilored to suit you and your needs.
Our Essential Insights courses are free as part of the CIPD membership.

Fundamentals of Employment Law

Gain the fundamentals of employment law so you can confidently handle common employment issues that arise on a day-to-day basis.

Employment Law Practitioner F2F

Discover how to resolve workplace legal issues that arise during the employment journey through a legal and compliant lens.

Employment Law Practitioner - Online class

Resolve employment law and workplace related issues with a confident, legal and wholly compliant approach.

Employment Law for Line Managers (England and Wales) Essential Insights

This course will provide you with a high-level overview of UK employment law. Explore the breadth of employment law and how it influences work in the UK, particularly in relation to people management.

Employment Law update

Stay abreast with the latest employment law changes update to deepen your knowledge and maintain organisational compliance. This engaging workshop will provide you with valuable practical insights and will cover England and Wales employment law and will have references to the law in Scotland.

Employment
law advice

Want more employment law advice? Members can phone the CIPD legal helpline or take out a discounted subscription to HR-inform for additional resources.

Employment law helpline HR-inform
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