Employing staff in the UK? Get the people side right.
UK employment law is changing in phases through 2026 and 2027. Existing day-one protections stay in place, and new rights are being added on top. If you employ people here without an in-house HR team, now is the right time to review your contracts, policies and procedures.
Paul Beare gives overseas companies qualified UK HR consultants on call. We draft your contracts, keep your policies current and guide you through the difficult conversations. Your UK team runs as smoothly as the rest of your business.
The biggest change to UK employment law in a generation
The Act became law on 18 December 2025. The government is bringing it in gradually, in phases running through 2027, to give employers time to prepare. Some changes are already in force and more arrive over the next 12 months. Here is what it means if you employ staff in the UK.
What is not changing
The existing day-one protections stay in place. From their first day, your UK employees already have:
What is new, phase by phase
Sick pay from day one. Statutory Sick Pay now starts on the first day of sickness, and lower earners now qualify. Paternity leave and unpaid parental leave are day-one rights. The maximum award for failing to consult on collective redundancies has doubled to 180 days' pay.
Longer to bring a claim. Staff now have six months, not three, to bring most employment tribunal claims against you.
Harassment prevention. You must take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of your staff. That includes harassment by clients, customers and contractors.
Unfair dismissal after six months. The qualifying period drops from two years to six months and the cap on compensation is removed. Dismissing staff to force through new contract terms (known as fire and rehire) becomes heavily restricted.
Anyone with six months' service on 1 January 2027 gains unfair dismissal protection that day. Check your contracts, probation process and policies now. See how we can help.
Dates follow the UK government's implementation timeline as at October 2026 and may change. This is a summary, not legal advice.
Everything your UK team needs, in one place
Our HR consultants work as your UK HR function. You get practical, commercial advice without hiring a full-time HR manager.
Contracts and onboarding
UK employment contracts and the written statement every employee must receive by their first day. Probation, benefits and statutory rights set up correctly from the start.
Policies and staff handbook
A handbook written for UK law, not adapted from your home market. Kept current as the Employment Rights Act 2025 rolls out.
Disciplinary, grievance and absence
Clear guidance when things go wrong. A fair, documented process is your best defence if a claim reaches an employment tribunal.
HR compliance
Minimum wage, working time, holiday pay, sick pay and right to work checks. We find the gaps before an inspector or a tribunal does.
Joined up with payroll
Your HR links directly to your UK payroll, PAYE and workplace pension. One team handles both, so nothing falls between the gaps.
Restructures and strategic HR
Redundancy consultations, restructures and HR audits as your UK team grows. Advice that fits your global people strategy.
Qualified HR advice, without a full-time HR hire
Our annual HR retainers give you a bank of hours with qualified UK HR consultants. Use them when you need them, for whatever comes up.
Basic
For businesses that need occasional HR support.
£1,000 + VAT a year
5 hours of HR consultant timeThen £295 + VAT an hour
Medium
For growing businesses that need regular support.
£3,000 + VAT a year
15 hours of HR consultant timeExtra hours £200 + VAT an hour
Enhanced
For businesses that need strategic HR input.
£5,750 + VAT a year
25 hours of HR consultant timeExtra hours £200 + VAT an hour
Use your hours for
Need more time?
Basic: once your 5 included hours are used, further time reverts to £295 + VAT an hour.
Medium and Enhanced: extra hours stay at £200 + VAT an hour.
Already a Paul Beare client? Speak to your Relationship Manager to add HR support.
Is your UK HR ready for 2027?
Tick each statement that is true for your UK business today.
Why overseas employers choose Paul Beare
We work with businesses entering and growing in the UK. We understand a UK team run from head office abroad.
HR, payroll, tax and accounts under one roof. Your people, pay and reporting stay in step.
Practical, commercial advice from qualified UK HR professionals, when you need it.
From your first UK hire to a full team. Move up a package as your needs change.
Get your UK HR ready before January 2027
Book a call with our HR team. We will tell you where your UK employment setup stands and which level of HR support fits your business.