With further employment law reforms arriving in October 2026, Sarah Buxton explains why dental practices should look beyond policies and treat preparation as part of good leadership, a healthy culture and a well-run practice.

With several employment law changes taking effect in October 2026, dental practices need to understand not only what is changing, but what they should do now to prepare. In this blog, we explain the practical impact of the reforms and the steps practice owners and managers can take to protect their teams and reduce risk.

Sarah Buxton explains why dental practice owners need to take action now, before October's employment law changes arrive.

October may feel some way off, but these changes require more than a quick policy update. Practice owners and managers should consider how harassment risks are identified and managed in everyday working life, as well as whether their records and processes are robust enough to support them if a concern arises.

Sickness absence can be difficult to manage, particularly when patterns begin to emerge. Sarah Buxton explores why clear procedures, consistent conversations and regular return-to-work meetings are essential for protecting both your practice and your team.

Several important changes have taken place at the General Dental Council during 2026. If you're facing, or could one day face, a Fitness to Practise investigation, understanding these developments could help you better navigate the process and what to expect.

Retaining good people has always been a challenge in dentistry, but many practice owners and managers feel it is becoming harder than ever. Sarah Buxton explores what's changed, why employee expectations are evolving and what successful practices are doing differently.

Employment contracts aren't usually associated with staff retention, but used well they can reinforce your values, build trust and help create a workplace people don't want to leave. In this blog, we explore how they can support your wider retention strategy.

Retaining good people requires more than good intentions. Here are five practical actions practice owners and managers can review today to strengthen retention, improve employee engagement and reduce employment risk.

This blog explores how practice owners and managers can approach flexible working with confidence, balancing legal obligations, operational realities and the expectations of today's workforce.

Day one parental rights can create genuine challenges for small employers. Sarah Buxton explores why recognising those pressures need not come at the expense of supporting working parents.

Major employment law reforms are reshaping workplace rights and responsibilities. Using the evolution of the Renault 5 as an unexpected comparison, Sarah Buxton explores why change can feel challenging, why standing still is not an option, and how employers can adapt confidently while maintaining strong, productive workplace relationships.

Sarah Buxton explains that while HR consultants help manage workplace processes, complex employment issues often require legal expertise. In this blog she explains how legal support and advice clarified obligations, reduced risk, and prevented unintended precedent, helping the practice reach a fair, compliant, and confident outcome.

From April 2026, new Bereaved Partner’s Paternity Leave rights will give eligible partners a day one right to up to 52 weeks’ leave following the death of a child’s mother or primary adopter. Sarah Buxton explains what the legislation means for employers, why policies should be reviewed now, and how businesses can stay compliant.

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) has changed significantly from April 2026, impacting costs and absence management for dental practices. This article explains what’s changed, why it matters for employers, and the practical steps you can take to stay compliant and prepared.

April has arrived and major reforms to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) have taken effect under the Employment Rights Act 2025 is now in force. If this has crept up on you, don't worry, we are here to help.

April has arrived and major reforms to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) have taken effect under the Employment Rights Act 2025 is now in force. If this has crept up on you, don't worry, we are here to help.

A small disagreement with big lessons A recent Employment Tribunal case shows how even what looks like a minor workplace issue - in this instance, a change in desk allocation - can become a legal dispute when communication breaks down. In September 2025, a Tribunal heard the case of Mr Walker, a Senior Estate Agent, who successfully claimed constructive unfair dismissal following a disagreement over seating arrangements. While unusual on the surface, the case highlights the i

From 07 April 2026, the Fair Work Agency (‘the Agency’) will be introduced in the UK. This is a new body designed to ‘strengthen and simplify’ the enforcement of rights of workers and employees. The Agency will act as a single enforcement body for a range of workplace rights, and is intended to bring together functions which are currently spread across numerous organisations. At present, the Agency will be able to enforce: National Minimum Wage; Statutory holiday pay and e

Mr K Ruiza was first instructed by his line manager to only speak English whilst at work during his employment at Nuclear Restoration Services Limited (NRS) in August 2023. NRS stated that the manager had acted in response to complaints of other employees. Ruzia was left aggrieved by the instruction and was affected emotionally to the point where the decision impacted him outside of the workplace. Ruzia raised a grievance regarding the instruction in January 2024 where it was