News & insights
Acas – new guidance on sexual harassment and third-party harassment
From the 30 October 2026, the law will change so employers will be liable for third party harassment. Sexual harassment Employers must take ‘all reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment of their workers. This includes protecting workers from online and in-person sexual harassment. This is a change from the current wording of ‘reasonable steps’. Third-party harassment In […]
Read MoreChanges to regulated activity and DBS checks for volunteers
From 1 September 2026, an important change to the definition of regulated activity with children has come into force under section 139 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026. The change removes the previous ‘supervision exemption’. This means that people who work closely and frequently with children are in regulated activity, even where their work is supervised by someone […]
Read MoreMartyn’s Law – preparing schools for the new requirements
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly known as Martyn’s Law, introduces new requirements aimed at improving preparedness for, and protection from, terrorist attacks at certain publicly accessible premises, including schools. The legislation has received Royal Assent, but the substantive requirements are not yet in force. The exact implementation date has not been confirmed, although […]
Read MoreAcas – draft code of practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures
Acas are currently consulting on a new draft Acas code of practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures. The code was last fully revised in 2009, with further specific amendments made in 2015 to the guidance on the statutory right to accompaniment. The new updates are with a view to promoting better early resolution of concerns […]
Read MoreEHRC’s research into workplace harassment
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has published new research examining what really works in preventing workplace harassment. The research adopted a rapid evidence review design, which is a method of summarising research and academic literature quickly and efficiently. Although the findings apply across all sectors, they are particularly relevant to schools, where creating […]
Read MoreSocial media post and philosophical belief
The case of Mr Sheward v Great Learners Trust explores whether the belief that appalling behaviour of pupils may not be attributable to an additional need is a philosophical belief and the perils of such an opinion being posted on social media. Social media post Mr Sheward was employed as a midday supervisor and a […]
Read MoreUnpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children
The Department for Business and Trade has launched a consultation on the employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children. The Carer’s Leave Regulations 2024 provide eligible employees with a statutory right to take unpaid carer’s leave for the purpose of providing or arranging care for a dependant with a long-term care […]
Read MoreHidden disabilities and recruitment decisions
The case of Mr A Khan v Anthem Schools Trust and Ms Bhadare provides helpful guidance to schools regarding recruitment decisions, disability claims, and the importance of having clear evidence of appointment processes. Background Mr Khan, who has diabetes, applied for two teaching positions at St Mark’s Church of England Academy, part of Anthem Schools […]
Read MoreCosts awarded in favour of school after unreasonable conduct in ET proceedings
A recent employment tribunal (ET) costs judgment is a useful reminder that, although costs awards remain unusual in ET proceedings, they may be made where a party acts vexatiously, abusively, disruptively or otherwise unreasonably in the way proceedings are brought or conducted. Ms Chandrika Punshon v The Royal Latin School is a notable example because […]
Read MoreProtected conversations
A recent employment appeal tribunal (EAT) judgment serves as a useful reminder of the care that needs to be taken when conducting ‘protected conversations’. As most employers are aware, s111A of the Employment Rights Act 1996 introduced a mechanism by which employers could approach employees and propose termination of employment by way of a settlement […]
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