Implementation is well underway for the new Employment Rights Act and key measures are coming into effect from Spring 2026.
In this session, legal experts from Knights will explore the practical impact of recent changes under the Employment Rights Act, focusing on the real-world challenges HR teams and managers are already facing.
What to expect:
The Knights team will:
Examine how day-one entitlement to statutory sick pay may lead to an increase in short, “odd-day” absences, and will offer guidance on managing recurring short-term sickness fairly and effectively.
Take a closer look at day-one performance management, outlining what a robust probationary process should include and how organisations can implement it consistently in practice.
Cover the strengthened duty to prevent harassment, highlighting how to conduct meaningful risk assessments and manage third-party risks.
Why attend?
Gain clarity on the compliance requirements and what the common pitfalls are.
Learn the proactive steps you can take to ensure your organisation stays ahead.
Network with peers to share strategies and insights.
Speaker bios
Nicola O’Dwyer, Partner, Knights
With over 20 years of experience, Nicola advises both individuals and businesses on a wide range of employment matters. Her expertise includes drafting and reviewing contracts of employment and staff handbooks, managing grievance and disciplinary procedures, handling redundancies and dismissals, and negotiating settlement agreements. She also has extensive experience representing clients in employment tribunal claims.
Nicola advises on the employment aspects of corporate transactions and TUPE, ensuring businesses navigate these processes smoothly. She takes a pragmatic approach, ensuring a clear understanding of her clients’ needs before providing commercially sound advice.
She works with clients across a range of industries, including hotels, restaurants, food manufacturers, and charities.
Justin Govier, Partner, Knights
With extensive legal expertise and a commercial approach, Justin is trusted by some of the region’s largest corporates and SMEs for business-critical advice. He provides strategic guidance to boards, advising them prior to drafting business and workforce plans. Justin works closely with UK and US general counsel and HR directors, supporting UK subsidiaries with the implementation of global strategic initiatives. He often serves as the link between HR, legal, and management teams.
Justin has a strong track record in defending complex employment tribunal claims, with expertise in whistleblowing, discrimination, and TUPE matters, as well as disputes involving restrictive covenants and breaches of confidentiality. He is also well-regarded for his advisory work on redundancy, business reorganisations, and executive exits.
