The Employment Law Pod

Hosted by Boyes Turner

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to The Employment Law Podcast by Boyes Turner. In this podcast series, each episode takes a deep dive into a different subject, covering all things related to employment law. Whether you're an CEO, stakeholder, HR, or just interested in understanding the legal intricacies of the workplace, this podcast is your go-to resource. Join us as our expert employment solicitors break down crucial topics such as discrimination, workplace policies, termination, contracts, and much more. Gain valuable insights from legal professionals, human resources experts, and industry leaders, providing you with the knowledge and understanding to navigate the complex world of employment law with confidence. Subscribe now to stay up-to-date on the ever-evolving realm of employment law. Each episode is a masterclass, equipping you with the tools to make informed decisions and foster a fair, lawful, and productive work environment.

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43 recent

June 2, 202627 min

The rise of AI-generated claims in employment tribunals

In this episode of the Employment Law Pod, employment Partner Andrew Whiteaker is joined by dispute resolution Partner Phillip Baldwin to explore the growing impact of AI on litigation, grievances and dispute resolution.Andy and Phil explore how litigants, employees and businesses are increasingly using tools such as ChatGPT to prepare grievances, legal arguments and tribunal claims. They discuss how AI can improve access to justice and support individuals who may otherwise be unable to obtain legal advice, while also creating significant challenges for courts, tribunals and employers. The conversation covers:Why employment judges are starting to push back on AI-generated submissionsThe rise in lengthy and overly complex tribunal claimsHow AI can create false confidence for litigantsThe risks of hallucinated case law and inaccurate legal argumentsConfidentiality and privilege concerns when using open source AI toolsThe growing pressure on tribunal and court systemsWhy AI can make settlement discussions more difficultPractical advice for employers handling AI-generated grievances and complaintsThe continued importance of legal expertise, negotiation and human judgment in dispute resolutionAlongside the risks, the episode also looks at the positive ways legal professionals are using AI to improve efficiency, including disclosure exercises and document review, while emphasising the importance of human judgment, negotiation skills and legal expertise in resolving disputes effectively.If you have any questions about employment disputes, grievances, litigation or the use of AI in the workplace, the teams at Boyes Turner would be happy to help.Episode LinksVisit our websiteContact usOur Employment servicesOur HR training

May 7, 202627 min

How new unfair dismissal rules will impact employers

In this episode of the Employment Law Pod, Andrew Whiteaker is joined by Will Morris from Profectus Recruitment to unpack one of the most significant upcoming changes in UK employment law. With the Employment Rights Act introducing a new six month qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims and removing the compensation cap, businesses are entering a period of real change and increased risk.Andy explains how the shift from two years to six months will reshape decision making for employers, particularly during the early stages of employment. The conversation explores how this change raises the stakes for getting recruitment and onboarding right from day one, and why waiting until the end of a probation period could create unintended legal exposure.Will brings a recruitment perspective, highlighting the challenges businesses already face in attracting and retaining talent. From high turnover in the first six months to misaligned expectations around hybrid working, he shares practical insights into how companies can better position themselves in a competitive market. The discussion also touches on the idea of “corporate catfishing” and the risks of overselling roles or culture during the hiring process.Together, they emphasise that strong onboarding, clear communication, and realistic hiring strategies are not just legal safeguards but essential for business performance. They also discuss the pressures on smaller organisations without dedicated HR support and how a focus on fairness and reasonableness can go a long way in navigating complex and evolving regulations.The episode closes with practical tips for employers, including tightening recruitment processes, improving briefing for recruiters, reducing unnecessary interview stages, and ensuring that offers and employee experiences align with expectations.Episode LinksVisit our websiteContact usOur Employment servicesOur HR training

March 3, 202627 min

How HR strategy drives business sale value

In this episode of the Employment Law Pod, Helen Goss is joined by long-time collaborator Rebecca Woolmington, founder of HR Central, to explore how businesses can maximise value and minimise risk when preparing for sale from a people perspective.With growing movement across the SME market, many organisations are gearing up for investment or exit. But as Helen and Rebecca explain, buyers aren’t just purchasing products, services or IP, they’re buying people, structure and operational stability. That means preparation is essential.HR data and documentation are often seen as routine administration, but they play a critical role in protecting and enhancing business value. Well-organised records, appraisal histories and clear documentation make due diligence smoother and more convincing. Using real-world experience and practical examples, this episode breaks down what “getting match-fit for sale” really involves and why the work you do behind the scenes can dramatically increase valuation.Stay tuned as Helen and Rebecca will return to discuss culture, communication, post-sale legal risks and integration challenges, whether you’re buying or selling.Episode LinksVisit our websiteContact usOur Employment servicesOur HR training

February 3, 202627 min

Unpacking the Employment Rights Act: risks, changes and opportunities

In this episode of the Employment Law Pod, partners Andrew Whitaker and Helen Goss unpack one of the most significant shake-ups to UK employment law in decades: the Employment Rights Act.With the Act now in force and many changes being phased in through 2026 and 2027, Andy and Helen explore what we know so far, what remains uncertain, and what employers should be thinking about now.They discuss the headline reforms, including the reduction of the unfair dismissal qualifying period to six months, the proposed removal of the compensation cap, changes to statutory sick pay, collective redundancy rules, trade union law, fire and rehire, and zero-hours contracts. Importantly, this episode doesn’t just focus on risk. Andy and Helen take a balanced view, using their famous Venn diagram thinking to explore whether there are genuine positives for both employers and employees, from improved workforce engagement and retention to a more level playing field across sectors.Episode LinksVisit our websiteContact usOur Employment servicesOur HR training

December 19, 202524 min

Festive fun or festive fallout? HR lessons from the year end

In our last employment podcast of the year Claire Taylor- Evans, Partner and Harjeet Nangla, Senior Associate discuss what might be on HR’s 2025 Christmas Wish List.Can you spot the festive song lyrics throughout the episode?The discussion starts with the risk of workplace Christmas parties, looking at employer liability, festive misconduct and the heightened obligations introduced by the Worker Protection Act. Claire and Harjeet unpack what “reasonable steps” really mean, the role of risk assessments, training and workplace culture, and how the EHRC is beginning to use its enforcement powers.The conversation then turns to the long-awaited Employment Rights Bill, soon to become the Employment Rights Act 2025. The episode provides a practical overview of what’s changing, when those changes are expected to take effect, and why employers should start planning now. Finally, the episode addresses the rise in restructures and redundancies amid economic uncertainty. Claire and Harjeet highlight common pitfalls around collective redundancy thresholds, settlement agreements and voluntary redundancies, and explain why early HR involvement and robust tracking are critical to avoiding costly mistakes.A festive but practical end-of-year episode packed with insights to help HR teams stay compliant, reduce risk and prepare for what lies ahead in 2026 and beyond.Episode LinksVisit our websiteContact usOur Employment servicesOur HR training

December 2, 202521 min

Settlement agreements explained: Top tips & how to get them right

If you’re staring down a reorganisation, a redundancy risk, or a fraying working relationship, a well-drafted settlement agreement can be the difference between clean closure and months of expensive uncertainty. In this episode, Partner Helen Goss and Solicitor Rachael McAnulty break down everything employers and employees need to know about settlement agreements.With organisations continuing to restructure in a challenging economic climate, settlement agreements are increasingly common but they’re often misunderstood. Helen and Rachael discuss what a settlement agreement is, when it should be used, and the key clauses that must be drafted with care.From tax treatment and PENP calculations to restrictive covenants, legal fee contributions, and the importance of getting notice arrangements right, this conversation provides clear, practical guidance for HR teams, business owners, and individuals exiting a company.Episode LinksVisit our websiteContact usOur Employment servicesOur HR training

October 28, 202535 min

Employment law in practice: Secondments, sabbaticals, and unpaid leave

Andrew Whiteaker, and Helen Goss unpack the legal and practical considerations when employees take time away from their regular roles, from temporary secondments to unpaid sabbaticals and career breaks. They discuss: What distinguishes a secondment from a sabbatical or unpaid leaveCommon pitfalls when employees return from extended absenceHow to avoid disputes with clear written agreementsWhat happens when a role no longer exists at the end of a secondmentLater in the episode, Andy and Helen delve into the CIPD Health and Wellbeing at Work Survey 2025, which reveals a sharp rise in sickness absence across UK sectors. They explore why absence levels are increasing, particularly the growing impact of mental health, the effects of hybrid and home working on sickness trends, how HR teams can manage absence more effectively through better data, communication, and manager training, and why employee wellbeing strategies need to move beyond box-ticking. This episode is packed with practical advice for HR professionals, business leaders, and in-house counsel looking to stay ahead of emerging employment law and people management issues.Episode LinksVisit our websiteContact usOur Employment servicesOur HR training

September 30, 202538 min

Balancing business needs and employee wellbeing in sickness absence

In this episode of The Employment Law Pod, Andrew Whiteaker is joined by Julie Marsh, Partner in the Clinical Negligence team, to explore the challenges around managing long-term sickness absence.Together, they discuss:The realities employees face after serious illness or injury.Why early communication between employers and employees matters.The role of medical evidence and occupational health in fair decision-making.What “reasonable adjustments” really mean under the Equality Act.Practical steps for employers to support a fair and lawful return-to-work process.Discover how additional resources like Employee Assistance Programs and private medical insurance can support recovery, and why signposting employees to appropriate legal advice might provide crucial financial security when return to work proves impossible.Episode LinksVisit our websiteContact usOur Employment servicesOur HR training

September 2, 202529 min

When the CEO must go: Legal considerations and practical strategies

Exiting a CEO or senior executive is rarely straightforward. In this episode of the Employment Law Pod, Partners Andrew Whiteaker and Helen Goss unpack the legal and commercial challenges of removing a senior leader. They explore how to handle service agreements, shareholder disputes, restrictive covenants, and whether garden leave or settlement is the best option.In the second half of the episode, the focus shifts to workplace culture, with a deep dive into Lidl’s recent agreement with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), highlighting new employer obligations around preventing workplace sexual harassment.Packed with practical insights, this episode is essential listening for HR professionals, business leaders, and anyone involved in managing senior exits or safeguarding workplace culture.Subscribe to the Employment Law Pod for expert insights that blend legal precision with practical business guidance. Episode LinksVisit our websiteContact usOur Employment servicesOur HR training

August 5, 202514 min

UK immigration rule changes 2025: What employers must know

In this episode of The Employment Law Pod, Chris Harber Partner, Employment & Immigration at Boyes Turner breaks down the sweeping changes to the UK immigration system introduced in July 2025. These updates are part of the government’s ongoing strategy to "restore control" and represent one of the most significant overhauls to the Skilled Worker route in recent years. If your organisation holds a sponsor licence or relies on migrant labour, this is a must-listen. Key takeaways for employers:Over 180 roles have been removed from the Skilled Occupation List.Employers can no longer sponsor chefs, hotel managers, or other roles now classed below Level 6.Sponsorship strategies must adapt to ensure compliance and avoid costly missteps.The government is linking immigration policy with industrial strategy for the first time in years.Boyes Turner’s Employment & Immigration team can help assess how these changes impact your recruitment plans. Episode LinksVisit our websiteContact usOur Employment servicesOur HR training