A pair of binoculars resting on the binoculars' case.

EMPLOYMENT LAW

Catch up on the highlights in employment law from 2021, look forward to the likely changes in 2022

An overview of the key cases and legislation from 2021 including:

  • The introduction of IR35 for the private sector
  • Protection for workers raising health and safety concerns
  • When could an agenda to reduce gender pay gap be discriminatory?
  • A roundup of the latest GIG economy cases

A review of the principles arising from the first Covid-19 related cases, including:

  • Can employees who refuse to work due to safety concerns be dismissed?
  • What happens if an employee states that they will only work from home?
  • Is it fair to dismiss an employee for a suspected breach of isolation rules?
  • Could it be discriminatory to require employees to attend the workplace?

A preview of what is likely to come in 2022:

  • A new statutory right to carer’s leave
  • Proposals to widen laws to protect pregnant employees
  • Proposals to change liability for third party harassment
  • Proposals to make flexible working requests a day one right

About the authors


about the author img

Will Walsh

Partner

Expertise in the employment aspects of company restructures and strategy, including international elements.
about the author img

Greg Burgess

Partner

Advises on restructures, TUPE, trade union law, dismissal claims, discrimination, harassment and has experience defending Employment Tribunal claims.

Stay connected, sign up for updates

Stay connected

Recent articles

Podcasts

Guidance for employers on interim relief applications

The last few months have seen a staggering increase in interim relief applications, which were previously relatively rare.

18/08/2026

Media spotlight

Train drivers consider potential strike action over lack of access to toilets

Greg Burgess shares his insights with HR magazine on why dignity at work is not optional, and that HR teams should ensure that their organisations are conducting regular facilities and welfare audits.

29/07/2026

Podcasts

Employees working abroad – what do employers need to know?

With overseas working becoming more common, employers need to be aware of the legal and practical issues and the potential consequences of getting it wrong.

28/07/2026

Events

Employment Rights Reforms: What has changed and what can we expect next? 9 September 2026

Join our online workshop where our employment law experts will provide a practical update on the reforms already in force,  what changes are on the horizon, and discuss what employers and HR teams should be doing to plan ahead.

DISCLAIMER:

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES AND IS NOT INTENDED TO AMOUNT TO LEGAL ADVICE ON WHICH RELIANCE SHOULD BE PLACED. WE, DMH STALLARD LLP, DISCLAIM ALL LIABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY ARISING FROM ANY RELIANCE PLACED ON THIS INFORMATION. ANY RELIANCE ON THIS INFORMATION IS SOLELY AT YOUR RISK. The provision of this information does not create a business or professional services relationship. This information is not exhaustive and does not attempt to address every issue relevant to a particular situation. If you require advice on a specific legal issue, please contact a lawyer listed on our website, dmhstallard.com, or send an email to [email protected].