Employment Law Review
Thompsons’ Employment Law Review is recognised as an authoritative source of comment and discussion from our trade union law specialists. Available to read here, and also via a weekly email bulletin, the Employment Law Review offers considerable insight into the latest issues affecting trade unions and their members.
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Employment rights
Contract of employment
Weekly Issue 901
Maritime and Coastguard Agency v Groom: [2026] EWCA Civ 6
Mr Groom volunteered as a Coastguard Rescue Officer (CRO) for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) from 1985. In May 2020, he attended a disciplinary hearing, following which he was dismissed.
Maternity/Parental rights
Weekly Issue 901
Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave: Regulations Coming into Force on 6 April 2026
The government has confirmed that new Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave provisions will take effect from 6 April 2026.
Employment rights
Weekly Issue 901
New rules on claiming Statutory Sick Pay
New rules on claiming Statutory Sick Pay come into force on 6 April 2026 as a result of amendments introduced by the Employment Rights Act 2025.
Employment rights
Weekly Issue 900
Employment Rights Act 2025: Key Developments So Far
A concise overview of the key reforms introduced by the Employment Rights Act 2025 and what they mean for workers and trade unions.
Employment rights
Weekly Issue 900
London Ambulance Service NHS Trust v Mr I Sodola (Debarred)
A summary of the EAT’s decision in Sodola, addressing how tribunals should approach the burden of proof and when delays or procedural failings can support an inference of discrimination.
Employment rights
Weekly Issue 900
Employment Rights Act 2025: Government Confirms Intention to Abide by Original Implementation Timetable
A summary of the government’s planned rollout of the Employment Rights Act 2025 and the related consultations shaping its implementation in 2026.
Employment rights
Weekly Issue 899
Employment Rights Act 2025: Protective Award to Double and Consultation Rights to Be Expanded
We discuss the changes introduced to the Protective Award which can be awarded when an employer has failed to consult the appropriate representatives in a collective redundancy situation and what this means for unions and their members.
Employment rights
Weekly Issue 899
Micro Focus Ltd v Mr James Mildenhall: [2025] EAT 188
A recent EAT ruling in Micro Focus v Mildenhall clarifies when the duty to collectively consult applies and what employers must consider during redundancy processes. Read more.
Employment rights
Weekly Issue 899
Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave: Draft Regulations Laid Before Parliament
New draft regulations could give bereaved partners up to 52 weeks of paternity leave from April 2026.
Employment rights
Weekly Issue 898
Employment Rights Act 2025: TU Detriment & Dismissal
Discover how the Employment Rights Act 2025 strengthens protection for workers taking part in industrial action, including new safeguards against unfair dismissal and employer‑imposed detriment.
Employment rights
Weekly Issue 897
Political Subs and Certification Officer
The Employment Rights Act 2025 reverses key Trade Union Act 2016 restrictions—restoring default opt-in for union political funds, removing 10-year review ballots, and scaling back the Certification Officer’s powers
Employment rights
Weekly Issue 896
The Employment Rights Bill received Royal Assent on 18 December 2025 becoming the Employment Rights Act 2025 (ERA 2025).
The Employment Rights Bill received Royal Assent on 18 December 2025 becoming the Employment Rights Act 2025 (ERA 2025).