UK Employment Update

Everyone understands the law creates risk for employers. Getting it wrong can be costly, in all sorts of ways. Getting it right though can bring opportunity. This year the Gowling WLG Employment team will be exploring both.

In April, we focus on risk. Join us as we explore the critical issues and challenges that will impact employers in the year ahead and beyond. We'll cover:

• Time to take action on substance abuse in the professional workplace?
• Duty on employers to prevent fraud: Are you prepared?
• Harassment in the workplace
• What to say if your CEO asks you 'Are we doing too much on DE&I?'

Whether you are a HR professional, in-house lawyer, or from another department, this in-person event will provide valuable insights and actionable strategies. We'll focus on delivering practical, effective solutions to employment issues, grounded in exceptional emotional intelligence and empathy. We get it, we sort it – ensuring you leave equipped to tackle your legal challenges effectively.

The morning will start at 09:00 and the sessions will end by 12:45, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions. We would be delighted if you can join us for lunch after the sessions end.

You can also pre-register now for our autumn seminar. With one eye on Labour's reforms, we'll be looking at how working with the law can bring opportunities to employers. Whatever your perspective, our expert team will provide you with the latest updates to help you identify and mitigate risks in your organisation, both in the short and long term. We'll also equip you with practical solutions to complex legal issues, ensuring your organisation is prepared for whatever comes next.

Time to take action on substance abuse in the professional workplace?

Speaker – Anna Fletcher, Partner

While detailed statistics for substance abuse in the workplace remain scarce, national trends suggest there is no room for complacency. In anticipation of the shift in the employment landscape in 2025 and into 2026, with a greater focus on safer workplaces and greater scrutiny of risk, we reflect on the steps employers should consider in managing the risks posed by substance abuse in the workplace.

Duty on employers to prevent fraud: Are you prepared?

Speaker – Kiran Gosal, Principal Associate

Fraud in the workplace is a common pitfall for any business. With cases widespread across not just the country but globally, and a new offence of "failure to prevent fraud" on the horizon in the UK, preventing and mitigating against fraudulent practices must be a priority for any company, big or small. Given the legal requirements for mandatory training for all employees, we question: is this enough, or is there a wider duty on the employer to ensure no fraudulent activities occur?

Harassment in the workplace

Speaker – Vivienne Reeve, Principal Associate

The Employment Rights Bill includes provisions to strengthen the protection of workers from harassment included in last year's reforms. We look at the issues through the Social and Governance perspective of ESG; the impact on people, culture, risk and business operations to help your organisation best position itself in response to these proposed changes.

What to say if your CEO asks you 'Are we doing too much on DE&I?'

Speaker – Jonathan Chamberlain, Partner

The Trump Administration appears determined to roll back Diversity, Equality and Inclusion. We already know that some multinationals with significant presence in the US are taking a cue and stepping away from previous commitments. What does this mean for British businesses, and will we remain outside the sphere of influence or sucked into the 'noise'? Are you ready for shareholder pressure? What if your affinity networks ask you to take a stand? We'll give you the law, the history and the tools to formulate a considered and effective response.

Agenda