Legal update – When Paternity Leave Comes as a Surprise
When Paternity Leave Comes as a Surprise: What Employers Need to Know Sometimes life throws curveballs and employers need to be ready to catch them. One of those unexpected situations might be when an employee finds out they’re about to become a parent… after the baby has already arrived. It sounds unusual, but it […]
Legal update – Preventing Harassment and Protecting Your Business
Don’t Pay the Price: Preventing Harassment and Protecting Your Business A recent Employment Tribunal ruling against Sainsbury’s, which resulted in an award of almost £60,000 to a former manager, serves as a stark reminder of the legal and reputational risks employers face when workplace aggression and harassment are not properly addressed. The case centred […]
Health and Safety update – When a PPE ‘bargain’ becomes a costly mistake
When a PPE ‘bargain’ becomes a costly mistake In today’s cost-sensitive industrial landscape, finding a bargain can seem like a small victory, especially when it comes to essential operational expenses like Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). However, there is a growing concern that managers in our sector should be aware of related to non-compliant and […]
Legal update – Costly procedural shortcomings
From Michael Jackson Impressions to Tribunal Compensation The recent Employment Tribunal decision in Mr L Zawadzki v The Co-operative Group offers a timely and important reminder for employers about the critical role of fair procedures, proportionality, and context in disciplinary matters. Mr Zawadzki, a warehouse operative with eight years of unblemished service, was dismissed […]
Chief Exec’s report Q3 2025
Read the full Q3 2025 Quarterly Review 5 minute read The path to recovery hinted at in last quarter’s survey has continued, albeit in slower and smaller steps than any of us would like to see. It’s perhaps no surprise that a return to a more positive business outlook is progressing at this slower rate, […]
Legal update – Clarifying HR Consultancy Roles
Small Business, Big Decisions: Clarifying HR Consultancy Roles Over the past decade, HR consultancy services have become an increasingly vital resource for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK. As employment legislation grows more complex and the expectations around workplace culture and compliance intensify, many businesses, especially those without in-house HR teams, have […]
Legal update – Update on Modern Slavery
On 30 July the Home Office published an optional international reporting template to help companies attain modern slavery, forced labour and child labour reporting requirements across the UK, Australia and Canada – as the aims of the legislation in place in each of these jurisdictions is similar. It is still essential for UK companies […]
Health and Safety update – Workplace Fatalities Decline, But Vigilance on Safety Remains Essential
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released its latest annual figures for work-related fatalities in the UK. The statistics reveal that 124 workers lost their lives in workplace incidents between April 2024 and March 2025, 14 less than the previous 12 month period. Within the manufacturing sector, eleven such deaths were recorded. While […]
Legal update – Fire and Rehire
What the Latest Employment Rights Bill Amendments Mean for Employers The UK government has recently introduced significant amendments to the Employment Rights Bill, with Clause 26 drawing particular attention for its impact on the controversial practice of fire and rehire. These changes, now backed by the government and expected to take effect by October 2026, […]
Legal update – The Flight That Redefined Worker Rights
Employment Status Cleared for Takeoff A recent Court of Appeal ruling in the case of Lutz v Storm Global & Ryanair has delivered a significant legal precedent on the issue of worker status. Jason Lutz, a pilot who worked for Ryanair via the agency Storm Global, was classified as self-employed and therefore denied basic employment […]
Legal update – Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Understanding, Supporting and Setting Boundaries
Understanding, Supporting and Setting Boundaries The recent dismissal of MasterChef presenter Gregg Wallace has reignited a complex and important conversation about neurodiversity in the workplace. Wallace, who was let go by the BBC following multiple allegations of inappropriate behaviour, has since revealed that he was diagnosed with autism during the course of the investigation. In […]
Legal update – The End of Gag Orders
Why Employers Must Act Now on Harassment and NDA The UK government is taking a landmark step toward safer, more transparent workplaces. Under new amendments to the Employment Rights Bill, currently progressing through the House of Lords, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that prevent individuals from speaking out about workplace harassment or discrimination will be rendered void. […]
Together We Engineer
Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day 2025 The year 2025 marks the 12th annual celebration of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), a significant milestone that reflects both the progress achieved and the challenges that remain. Since its inception in 2014, the representation of women in the engineering workforce has more than doubled, rising from […]
Legal update – Sexual harassment in the workplace
Lessons from Piromalli v Charles Trent Ltd and the New Legal Duty for Employers In recent years, the conversation around workplace harassment has shifted from reactive compliance to proactive prevention. This evolution was cemented by the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, which came into force on 26 October 2024. The legislation […]
Legal update – A Quieter Celebration Amid Legal and Cultural Crossroads
Pride Month 2025 As Pride Month 2025 progresses, many in the UK and beyond have observed a noticeable decline in media coverage and corporate engagement compared to previous years. This shift coincides with significant legal developments on both sides of the Atlantic, prompting reflection within legal and HR communities about the implications for LGBTQ+ rights […]
Chief Exec’s report Q2 2025
Read the full Q2 2025 Quarterly Review 3 minute read This quarter’s survey shows a welcome step in the right direction, but it would be a stretch to herald it as a solid path to recovery. More balanced in optimism vs caution might be the more accurate description, and as ever it’s important to reflect […]
Legal update – Navigating Inclusion and Legal Clarity in the Workplace
Pride Month 2025 As organisations across the UK come together to mark Pride Month 2025, it presents a valuable opportunity for employers to reflect on their role in fostering inclusive workplace cultures and ensuring alignment with evolving legal standards. Pride Month is a celebration of progress, visibility, and the ongoing pursuit of equality for LGBTQ+ […]
Legal update – The Empire Strikes HR
When Workplace Banter Crosses the Legal Line An employment tribunal has ruled that comparing a colleague to the Star Wars villain Darth Vader in a workplace setting can constitute a legal detriment, offering a clear reminder that even seemingly light-hearted workplace activities can carry serious implications. The case involved Lorna Rooke, an NHS Blood and […]
Legal update – The importance of upholding DEI policies despite Trump’s orders
The Importance of UK Businesses Upholding DEI Policies Amid Trump’s Anti-DEI Orders The recent executive orders issued by U.S. President, Donald Trump, to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in the United States have significant implications for businesses operating internationally, including those in the United Kingdom. These measures, which seek to curtail DEI programmes […]
Legal update – Upcoming changes to Employment Law
Your HR Checklist for 2025 As we approach April 2025, several important changes to employment laws and regulations will come into effect. These updates include increases to the National Minimum Wage, employers’ National Insurance Contributions, statutory payments, and various other employment-related benefits. It is essential for HR departments to stay informed and ensure compliance with […]
Legal update – Unfair Dismissal
New Bereavement Leave Amendments for UK Employers March marks Endometriosis Awareness Month, highlighting a condition affecting 1 in 10 women and individuals assigned female at birth. A recent employment tribunal case underscores the workplace challenges faced by those with endometriosis and emphasizes the necessity for employers to provide appropriate support and accommodations. In the case […]
Legal update – Recognising Pregnancy Loss
New Bereavement Leave Amendments for UK Employers The UK government has announced on 11th March 2025 its full support for the principle of bereavement leave for pregnancy loss and will incorporate amendments into the Employment Rights Bill. These changes, backed by 87 MPs, aim to include miscarriage in bereavement rights, recognising the profound emotional and […]
Legal update – Breaking the Silence: Addressing Endometriosis in the Workplace
Breaking the Silence: Addressing Endometriosis in the Workplace March marks Endometriosis Action Month, a dedicated campaign to increase awareness of endometriosis, a chronic and often debilitating condition affecting one in ten women. Despite ongoing efforts to improve understanding, many individuals with endometriosis still face stigma, particularly in the workplace. Research from Endometriosis UK highlights both […]
Legal update – Neonatal Leave and Care Summary
Neonatal Leave and Care Summary HMRC published some Guidance in its February Employers Bulletin relating to Neonatal Care Leave and Pay. What do we know so far? The government’s intention is to introduce statutory rights to Neonatal Care Leave and Pay with effect from 6 April 2025. This is governed by the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) […]
Chief Exec’s report Q1 2025
Read the full Q1 2025 Quarterly Review 3 minute read This quarter’s survey is significant from a calendar point of view, marking us at the one quarter point of the twenty-first century as we reached the twenty-five year mark. It would be good if we were able to mark that milestone with good news, but […]
Legal update – Supporting Employees During Ramadan: A Guide for UK Employers
Supporting Employees During Ramadan: A Guide for UK Employers Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, observed by millions of Muslims worldwide, including a significant number of employees in the UK workforce. It involves fasting from dawn to sunset, increased spiritual devotion, and community involvement. This year, Ramadan is expected to take place […]
Legal update – Voodooism Recognised as a Protected Belief
Voodooism Recognised as a Protected Belief: What Employers Need to Know A recent employment tribunal ruling has affirmed that voodooism qualifies as a protected religious belief under the Equality Act 2010. This decision, stemming from a case involving a Walsall council worker’s claims of harassment based on race, religion, and belief, provides critical insights for […]
Legal update – Navigating Boundaries in the Season of Affection
Workplace Harassment: Navigating Boundaries in the Season of Affection A recent employment tribunal ruling has clarified the legal definition of sexual harassment, concluding that an ‘air kiss’ does not constitute harassment under UK employment law. This case serves as an important example for employers in understanding the threshold for sexual harassment claims and highlights best […]
Legal update – Hearts & HR: Navigating Workplace Love Affairs
Hearts & HR: Navigating Workplace Love Affairs Workplace relationships are an inevitable aspect of professional environments. In some cases, they pose no significant issues, particularly when individuals work in separate teams or locations. However, when colleagues in a romantic relationship work closely together, particularly in hierarchical structures, it can create serious risks for employers. One […]
Sexual Harassment Risk Assessment Template
Our legal team have created a template risk assessment to help members to comply with their legal duty to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. You should review your own risks and actions to alleviate the risk and amend the template to suit your own business requirements, but this document is available to provide some […]
Legal update – The Office of the Whistleblower Bill
A New Dawn for Whistleblower Protections On 19 December 2024, Labour MP Gareth Snell introduced the Office of the Whistleblower Bill in the House of Commons, marking a significant step forward in strengthening protections for individuals who speak out against wrongdoing. This proposed legislation seeks to address gaps in the current framework, offering broader support […]
Legal update – Statutory Bereavement Leave for Miscarriage: What It Means for UK SMEs
MPs are set to propose an amendment to the Employment Rights Bill that would introduce statutory bereavement leave for employees who experience a miscarriage. This change aims to align the legal provisions for pregnancy loss before 24 weeks with those already in place for baby loss after 24 weeks. The Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) […]
Legal update – The Evolving View of Tattoos: A New Era for Workplace Policies
In recent years, tattoos have become increasingly mainstream, with a significant portion of the population sporting body art. Despite this growing acceptance, tattoos in the workplace remain a contentious issue, raising questions about employee rights, employer policies, and the potential impact on talent acquisition. In the UK, there is no specific legal protection against discrimination […]
Legal update – Ensuring Compliance with Employment Law During Christmas Shutdown Periods
As the festive season approaches, many businesses opt for shutdown periods to allow employees to enjoy time off. While these breaks can be beneficial for both employers and employees, it is essential to ensure that they are managed in line with employment law and clearly communicated to staff. Under the Working Time Regulations, employers can […]
Legal update – Ensuring Workplace Safety
The Implications of Gregg Wallace’s Harassment Allegations Gregg Wallace, the well-known presenter of MasterChef UK, has recently come under fire due to multiple allegations of sexual harassment spanning nearly two decades. These allegations have raised significant concerns about workplace conduct and the responsibilities of employers under UK Employment Law. The allegations against Wallace include making […]
Engineering Apprentice of the Year Award 2025
Submit your application for Engineering Apprentice of the Year Awards 2025 We are delighted to announce that applications are now open for Engineering Apprentice of the Year Award. This incredible opportunity for our industry’s apprentices will recognise the enthusiasm, innovation and imagination of up-and-coming engineers and manufacturers. Is there an engineering apprentice in your […]
Chief Exec’s report Q4 2024
Read the full Q4 2024 Quarterly Review 3 minute read Our final survey of the year makes for tough reading, and there is little sign of brighter times immediately ahead within it. It follows a more marginal but clearly concerning third quarter review and reflects the accelerated conversations we have had with industry over the […]
YEYA 2025
Submit your application for YEYA 2025 The Scottish Engineering Young Engineer of the Year Award (YEYA), has recognised and celebrated the best young engineers in Scotland for nearly 30 years. Is there a young member of your team who has shown excellence, innovation, and imagination within your industry? Encourage them to submit an application […]
Funding boost from UKRI for Scottish offshore wind sector
A pioneering partnership between the University of Edinburgh, the University of Dundee and the Forth and Tay Offshore (FTO) cluster has been boosted by a £2.5 million innovation funding award from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The UK Government-backed body’s UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has made the award through its Place […]
Legal update webinar – Employment Rights Bill updates
Catch up with our latest legal update, looking at the new Employment Rights Bill You will have no doubt seen the new Employment Rights Bill, unveiled by the Labour Government on 10 October 2024, included a raft of changes to come for employment law. This marks the most significant overhaul of employment legislation in decades. […]
Legal update – New worker protection law
A wake-up call for Employers amid the new worker protection law In a recent episode of The Graham Norton Show, Saoirse Ronan delivered a powerful message that has since gone viral, highlighting the everyday safety concerns women face. During a discussion with fellow actors Eddie Redmayne, Paul Mescal, and Denzel Washington, Ronan pointed out the […]
Legal update – Advancing Menopause Awareness in Male-Dominated Industries
World Menopause Day 2024: Advancing Menopause Awareness in Male-Dominated Industries As World Menopause Day 2024 approaches, this year’s theme of Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT) brings a crucial focus to an often-overlooked aspect of workplace health. For industries like engineering, which are predominantly male-dominated, understanding and addressing menopause in the workforce is a significant yet frequently […]
Legal update – Prioritising Mental Health in the Workplace
World Mental Health Day 2024: Prioritising Mental Health in the Workplace On October 10, 2024, we observe World Mental Health Day with the theme “It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace”. This theme underscores the urgent need to address mental health issues within professional environments, particularly focusing on the prevention of burnout, […]
Legal update – Addressing Abuse Allegations
The Role of Employers and HR in the Wake of Mohammed Al Fayed Claims Recent claims against Mohammed Al Fayed, the former Harrods owner, have reignited concerns over workplace abuse, highlighting a troubling scenario where employees felt powerless to report misconduct. Several women have come forward with serious allegations of sexual harassment and abuse by […]
Supercharging the Future of Engineering in Scotland
Author Primary Engineer 5 minute read Scotland boasts a rich history of engineering excellence that has profoundly shaped its economic and social landscape, from the innovative designs of James Watt, whose improvements to the steam engine propelled the Industrial Revolution, to the groundbreaking work of John Logie Baird, the pioneer of television. Scotland’s engineers […]
Legal update – Government to Treat Extreme Misogyny as a Form of Extremism in New Counter-Extremism Strategy
The UK government is set to take a firmer stance on extreme misogyny by classifying it as a form of extremism under its upcoming counter-extremism strategy. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has commissioned a review of the current strategy to better address the rising threats posed by harmful ideologies, including the increasing hatred of women. This […]
Legal update – Home Secretary issues written statement on legal migration to the UK
Following the Home Secretary’s recent written statement on legal migration (see Legal update, Home Secretary issues written statement on legal migration to the UK), the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has been commissioned to review the reliance on international recruitment in both the IT and telecommunications professionals and engineering professionals sectors. The MAC is instructed to […]
Company fined after worker loses fingers
A multi-national food company has been fined more than £300,000 after one of its workers lost four fingers on his right hand while unblocking a machine at a site in Glasgow. The company received the fine following an incident at its factory in Hillington on 4 August 2021. The 39-year-old man was working on a […]
The European Union’s AI Act: Establishing a Regulatory Framework for AI Systems
The European Union’s AI Act came into force 1st August 2024, marking a significant step toward establishing a regulatory and legal framework for AI systems within Europe. This act categorises AI systems based on their potential impact on safety, human rights, and societal well-being, dividing them into three categories: prohibited, high-risk, and minimal risk. AI […]
Navigating Complex Employment Decisions: The Huw Edwards Case and Employer Responsibilities
Huw Edwards, a well-known BBC presenter, recently pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children. This follows allegations made in May 2023. The BBC is now under intense scrutiny for its decision to suspend Edwards with pay between November 2023 and April 2024, despite knowing of his arrest for serious offenses in November 2023. Edwards […]
