Employment Talk

Hosted by Irwin Mitchell

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Episodes

Latest episode

May 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.

Listen to episodes

48 recent

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.

July 17, 202524 min

NDAs, harassment and the Employment Bill: what’s changing and why it matters

In this episode of Employment Talk, our hosts unpack the government’s proposed ban on NDAs in workplace harassment and discrimination cases. What is an NDA in the context of employment law? What exactly is changing? And will this empower victims or make it harder to settle claims? Listen as we answer those questions.

June 26, 202529 min

Third-party harassment: is the government really going to impose a banter ban?

In this episode of Employment Talk, our hosts delve into the government’s proposal to reintroduce employer liability for third-party harassment in the workplace. With headlines warning of a so-called “banter ban,” Jo and Elaine cut through the noise to explain what the new legal duties actually mean for employers.They explore the background to third-party harassment laws, look at what the proposed changes to the Equality Act involve, and outline how employers can prepare, especially in high-risk sectors like hospitality and retail.

May 29, 202526 min

What does sex mean in the Equality Act?

In this episode of Employment Talk, experts Jo Moseley and Elaine Huttley delve into the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on the definition of “sex” under the Equality Act 2010 and what it means for employers. They sensitively unpack the legal distinction between biological and legal sex as determined by the ruling, explore the implications for recruitment, workplace facilities, and positive action, and bust common myths circulating in the wake of the judgment.Whether you're revisiting your policies or navigating complex inclusion challenges, this episode offers essential insights and practical guidance for HR professionals.