Advertise on podcast: The Legal Room UK

In this episode of All in a Day’s Work, Katherine Bridge is joined by Sam Gray to explore Restrictive Covenants: what they are and why and how they are enforced. The government wants to ensure that non-compete clauses in employment contracts are no longer a barrier to hiring and will shortly be carrying out a consultation to understand the wider use of restrictive practices, working with industry to ensure any regulation is proportionate and balanced. The government will set out its detailed position in early 2027. The discussion covers how the position on reform has evolved and what the reform may look like. Katherine and Sam provide a clear picture of what Restrictive Covenants are for and why they should be enforced within the context of the proposed reform.

In this episode of All in a Day’s Work, Alex Harper is joined by Alistair McArthur to explore the complexities of managing senior exits and what separates a well executed departure from one that creates legal and reputational risk. From early planning and succession considerations through to communication strategy and execution, this episode highlights the importance of preparation at every stage. The discussion covers common trigger events, the types of claims senior individuals may bring and where employers most often go wrong, particularly when decisions are unclear or poorly handled. With practical insights on protected conversations, settlement agreements and structuring exit packages, Alex and Alistair provide a clear framework to help employers approach senior exits strategically, minimise disputes and achieve commercially sensible outcomes.

In this episode of All in a Day’s Work on The Legal Room UK podcast, Alex Harper is joined by Isabella Milnes-James to discuss sexual harassment in the workplace and the growing emphasis on prevention. The conversation explores what amounts to sexual harassment in practice, from inappropriate banter to more serious conduct, and why intention is less important than impact. They also examine the significant legal and financial consequences of claims, including uncapped compensation and potential uplifts where employers fail to meet their obligations. With a focus on the proactive duty to prevent harassment, the episode provides practical guidance on implementing effective policies, delivering meaningful training and fostering a culture where concerns are taken seriously. The discussion also looks ahead to developments under the Employment Rights Act 2025, including expanded whistleblowing protections and the anticipated shift towards a stricter requirement for employers to take all reasonable steps. This episode offers a clear and practical roadmap for organisations looking to move from compliance to genuine prevention.

In this episode of All in a Day’s Work, Alex Harper is joined by Cassie Blackledge to examine the recent Mothercare tribunal decision and what it reveals about the risks of mishandling maternity related dismissals. The case highlights how a redundancy process was found to be a sham, with the tribunal placing significant weight on timing, lack of transparency and absence of supporting evidence The episode explores the key lessons for employers, including the importance of genuine redundancy situations, meaningful consultation and proper documentation, particularly where employees are on or returning from maternity leave. Looking ahead, Alex and Cassie also consider how the Employment Rights Act 2025 is set to strengthen protections further, with increased scrutiny on dismissal decisions, broader coverage beyond redundancy and extended safeguards for employees returning from family leave. This episode is essential listening for employers seeking to navigate maternity related risks in an evolving legal landscape.

In this episode of All in a Day’s Work on The Legal Room UK, Alex Harper is joined by Maryam Nackvi to explore race discrimination in the workplace and why it remains a key risk area for employers. The discussion breaks down the legal definition of race under the Equality Act 2010, including less widely understood concepts such as discrimination by association and perception. They examine the different types of claims, including direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment and victimisation, alongside the growing expectations on employers to move beyond tick-box compliance. With insights into tribunal trends, uncapped compensation risks and the importance of the all reasonable steps defence, this episode provides practical guidance on how organisations can take meaningful, proactive steps to prevent race discrimination and embed genuine inclusion in the workplace.

How Landlords Can Serve Break Notices on Tenants In this episode, we discuss how landlords can validly serve break notices on tenants, the technical requirements, and the importance of strict compliance with the lease. From timing and method of service to avoiding accidental waiver, we set out the essential guidance needed to ensure the landlord’s break is both valid and enforceable.

In this episode of All in a Day’s Work on the Legal Room UK podcast, Alex Harper is joined by fellow Employment Senior Solicitor, Sam Gray, to explore how employers can best protect confidential information. They discuss why the strongest safeguard is clear, express contractual wording, especially a well-defined description of what counts as confidential. The episode also covers what employers can rely on when explicit provisions are missing, how obligations differ during employment and after termination, and the practical steps to take when someone resigns, from restricting access and monitoring risk through to litigation if breaches can’t be resolved.

In this episode of All in a Day’s Work, part of the Legal Room UK podcast series, the Alice Hepworth and Alex Harper provide a clear and accessible introduction to whistleblowing in the workplace. The discussion explores what whistleblowing is, why it matters, and the types of concerns that may give rise to a protected disclosure. The episode outlines the legal framework surrounding whistleblowing, including who is protected, what constitutes a qualifying disclosure, and the importance of raising concerns in the public interest. It also considers the practical and cultural challenges that individuals may face when speaking up, alongside the responsibilities of employers to handle disclosures appropriately and prevent retaliation. Designed as a practical starting point, this episode is ideal for employers, HR professionals, and employees seeking a grounded overview of whistleblowing and its role in promoting transparency, accountability, and good workplace governance.

Landlords often receive break notices that appear, at first glance, to be compliant - but closer scrutiny frequently reveals defects. In this session, we explain tests for validity, highlight common errors, and outline the strategic options available to landlords when a tenant’s notice is potentially ineffective.

In this episode of All in a Day’s Work, host Alex Harper talks with Matt Jenkin about the often‑confusing world of service provision changes under TUPE. Matt explains what counts as a service provision change, why it matters when businesses outsource, switch contractors, or bring services back in‑house, and how tribunals decide whether activities are “fundamentally the same.” With practical examples and insights drawn from real case law, Alex and Matt explore common pitfalls, the impact on employees, and the key steps employers should take to manage TUPE risks effectively.

In this episode, we take a clear, practical look at how tenants can effectively exercise a break clause and ensure the lease actually comes to an end. Break rights are famously unforgiving - strict conditions, service traps, and vacant‑possession hurdles often catch tenants ou

In this episode of All in a Day’s Work on The Legal Room UK, host Alex Harper is joined by Usof Shah to unpack the key updates to the English language rules for Skilled Worker visas from January 2026. This includes the new CEFR B2 requirement and how applicants can meet it based on nationality, qualifications, or approved testing, as well as when exemptions apply.

In this episode, Cassie Blackledge and Alex Harper lift the lid on what really happens during Acas negotiations. From early conciliation to last-minute settlements, we explore how Acas is an effective tool to assist parties navigate employment disputes outside the Employment Tribunal. Whether you're advising a client or preparing for talks yourself, we’ll share practical insights, strategic tips, and common pitfalls to avoid.

In this episode, Hannah King and Alex Harper explore how mediation can help resolve workplace disputes before they escalate. From personality clashes to communication breakdowns, they explain when mediation works, how it differs from formal processes, and why it benefits both employers and employees. Practical, informal, and focused on solutions — this is conflict resolution done right.

In this episode, Jo Boxhall and Alex Harper unpack Section 15 of the Equality Act 2010. They discuss what “discrimination arising from disability” really means, how it differs from direct and indirect discrimination, and how tribunals assess employer knowledge. They also explore key case law and practical steps employers can take to reduce risk and support disabled staff effectively.