From tribunal claims rising from the dead to Halloween costumes causing an HR nightmare, October can be a surprisingly spooky month for employers. In addition, this year, there are some particularly important employment law developments lurking in the shadows. As Halloween approaches, employers may be more concerned with pumpkins, fancy dress and office treats than employment law. But October 2026 brings some significant changes, as well as the familiar risks that can arise

Supporting families through the most difficult circumstances From 06 April 2026, eligible employees in England, Scotland and Wales have a new statutory entitlement: Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave – this landmark employment right has been designed to support fathers and partners who are coping with the death of a child's mother, primary adopter, or intended parent during the first year of a child's life or adoption placement.

ACAS has published the first full rewrite of its Disciplinary and Grievance Code since 2009, signalling a major shift towards early dispute resolution. The draft places informal discussions and mediation at the heart of workplace conflict management, while strengthening expectations around documentation, equality considerations and the use of suspension. Employers should prepare now, as non-compliance could still affect tribunal awards by up to 25%.

The most significant changes all employers should be planning for are the changes to the unfair dismissal rules, which will dramatically alter the landscape for tribunal claims. FG Solicitors Employment Team can help you prepare for these changes and the Employment Rights Act 2025 in general. We can create more certainty and help you manage the legal risks with our business focused impact assessment, policy and contracts review, manager training and assistance with disputes.

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 (the “Act”) came into force on 1 May 2026 and represents a significant reform of the private rented sector in England. It introduces a comprehensive restructuring of residential tenancy law by amending the Housing Act 1988 and establishing a more regulated framework governing the relationship between landlords and tenants. The legislative objective is to enhance tenant security, improve transparency, and introduce consistency across the private re

This quarter, we’ve identified numerous business challenges, ranging from the new identity verification requirements for Companies House to the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. However, many more changes are on the horizon. To keep you updated, this issue outlines some of the crucial upcoming updates that businesses should consider as we approach the new financial year.