Employment Talk

Hosted by Irwin Mitchell

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Latest episode

Sep 2026

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About the show

Do you want to keep up-to-date with the latest employment law news? Tune in to our fortnightly employment podcast where our experts will help you keep your finger on the pulse.

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51 recent

September 25, 202629 min

The new Employment Bill: exploring the ban on zero-hours contracts

The government's plans to reform zero and low-hours contracts are beginning to take shape, but significant uncertainty remains. What will the new rules on guaranteed hours mean in practice? How much notice will employers need to give for shifts? And what happens when working patterns change? Join our hosts as they break down the latest proposals, discuss the potential impact on employers, and examine the key issues organisations should be preparing for now

July 30, 202625 min

The future of holiday pay enforcement: is your business ready?

In this episode of Employment Talk, our hosts examine the government's plans to introduce state enforcement of holiday pay and what this could mean for employers. With the Fair Work Agency expected to gain powers to investigate holiday pay compliance, recover underpayments and impose financial penalties, holiday pay disputes may no longer depend solely on individual workers bringing tribunal claims. The proposals mark a significant shift in how holiday pay rights are enforced and increase the importance of getting calculations right. Listen to the podcast for a practical overview of the proposed changes, the risks employers should be aware of, and the steps you can take now to review holiday pay arrangements before the new enforcement regime comes into force.

June 30, 202623 min

Enhanced dismissal protections for parents and carers

In this episode of Employment Talk, our hosts explore the latest developments under the Employment Rights Act 2025 affecting working parents and carers, and what they could mean for employers in practice. With proposals including a new, wider right to bereavement leave, potential reforms to carer’s leave, and significantly strengthened protections against dismissal for pregnant employees and those returning from family leave, the direction of travel is clear – but many of the details are still to come. Listen to the podcast for a practical overview of what’s changing, the key risks employers should be aware of, and how you can start preparing now ahead of reforms expected from 2027.

May 25, 202631 min

Trade Union access agreements: what employers need to know (and do now)

In this episode of Employment Talk, our hosts unpack a major change many employers may have missed: the new trade union right of access under the Employment Rights Act 2025. Scheduled to come into force in October 2026, it allows independent trade unions to seek a statutory access agreement so they can meet workers to recruit members, provide representation and support, and facilitate collective bargaining – even where a union isn’t recognised. Listen to the podcast to get the practical steps that employers should take now to stay in control of what “reasonable access” looks like in their organisation.

April 16, 202620 min

Holiday pay rules: key changes employers can’t afford to ignore

Holiday pay rules are changing – and getting them wrong can be costly. In this episode, our employment law experts unpack the latest reforms, explain what’s changed, and outline the risks employers can’t afford to ignore. We cover record‑keeping, pay calculations, and what employers need to do now to stay compliant.

March 24, 202626 min

April’s Employment Rights Act changes that you simply can’t ignore

April’s Employment Rights Act changes are almost here. In this episode, our hosts explain day-one Statutory Sick Pay, sexual harassment disclosures under whistleblowing law, and what the Fair Work Agency could mean for employers. Listen now to get ahead of the changes you need to know about.

February 19, 202619 min

Another important Employment Bill update and the latest HR issues

We're back for 2026! In this episode of Employment Talk, our hosts break down the biggest shake‑up to employment law in years, as the new Employment Rights Act finally comes into force. They explore what the shift to a six‑month qualifying period really means for employers, why probationary periods now matter more than ever, and the surprise removal of the cap on unfair dismissal compensation.

October 23, 202532 min

How is AI really being used in the workplace? The use and misuse by employees

In this episode of Employment Talk, our hosts dive into the fast-evolving world of artificial intelligence at work, exploring the real-life challenges employers face when staff use AI in sometimes problematic ways. From queries returning factually incorrect information to its impact on litigation claims and the risk of confidential data leaks, the episode uses practical examples and legal insights to bring HR professionals up to speed with this sweeping development.

September 30, 202536 min

Neurodiversity in the workplace and the importance of getting it right

According to our research, there’s been a 750% increase in ADHD-related employment claims since 2020. This latest episode of Employment Talk delves into a topic that’s increasingly important for employers and employees alike: neurodiversity in the workplace. Join our experts as they clarify what’s meant by “neurodiversity” in the workplace, consider the conditions that fall under the autistic umbrella, and discuss real-life examples that have ended up before tribunals.

August 21, 202522 min

The Employment Rights Bill unpacked: what it means for trade unions and industrial action

This latest episode of Employment Talk delves back into the upcoming Employment Rights Bill to focus on what it means for trade unions and industrial relations in the UK. From union access rights and digital ballots to the evolving role of representation in the workplace, our hosts explore what's being repealed, what's being introduced, what's still up for debate, and the challenges employers and those working in HR are likely to face.