News & knowledge

What is a settlement agreement? A settlement agreement is a legally binding agreement used to resolve disputes between an employer and an employee. It typically involves the employee agreeing to waive or settle any claims they may have against their employer in exchange for a payment. Why may an employer offer an employee a settlement […]

Sweeping employment law changes are coming this year and next, and if you’re reading the headlines, you’d think the sky is falling. Here’s the truth: businesses that prepare now won’t just survive—they’ll gain a competitive edge.  After months helping clients navigate these changes, we’ve noticed something. The businesses panicking are treating this like a compliance checkbox. The ones thriving? They’re using it as an opportunity to become better employers.  Three changes […]

Described as the most significant overhaul of employment law in decades, the Employment Rights Bill is expected to receive approval on 28 October 2025, with initial provisions coming into force within months. It’s likely to be April 2026 before the key changes for employers come into force. Here’s what you need to know about the […]

Murrell Associates LLP has been ranked across all five of its practice areas in the Legal 500 UK 2026 guide, with partner Henry Maples achieving Leading Partner status for the first time. The Truro-based firm secured rankings in Corporate and Commercial, Commercial Property, Employment, Energy and Projects, and Intellectual Property; the second consecutive year it’s […]

In this series, Annalisa Marsay explores recent employment tribunal decisions that offer valuable guidance for employers managing everyday HR challenges.  Working a second job whilst in receipt of company sick pay: Is dismissal fair?  Scenario: Your employee is off work on sick leave with long-term mental health issues and has received company sick pay for […]

The recent allegations regarding the inappropriate conduct of TV presenter and MasterChef judge, Gregg Wallace, illustrate the significance of the recent update to employer’s legal responsibilities to take proactive steps to prevent harassment. The Allegations Wallace is currently under investigation by MasterChef’s production company following a multitude of complaints of “sexualised language” and groping. The […]

On 26 October 2024, important changes to the law on sexual harassment in the workplace will take effect. Here’s what employers need to know.

The pros and cons of a four-day working week are a hot topic.   Proponents shout that it raises productivity (by increasing focus and more efficient workload management) and improves work-life balance (higher job satisfaction and less stress, sickness etc).  Naysayers point to struggles to maintain customer service, meet deadlines and an increase in recruitment and […]

After a few years where there has not been much to report on the employment front, April 2024 marks the start of some activity which employers should be aware of. We have picked out the key points below. Changes at a glance: From 1 April… From 6 April… Acas has a new draft code of […]

Before you press send on a management email about an employee, stop and think to yourself, would I be happy for the employee to read this?  Data subject access requests (known as DSARs or SARs) are frequently the first course of action for disgruntled employees contemplating grievances or employment tribunal proceedings.    As an employer, it […]

Luke joined Murrell Associates in November 2022 having previously worked for Nalders for 7 years, where he specialised in both corporate and employment law. Luke qualified as a Solicitor in September 2019 having completed a Law Degree, the Legal Practice Certificate and Professional Skills Course at the University of the West of England in Bristol.

(By an employment lawyer returning to work following maternity leave). I know my rights (of course I do), and I’ve done this before, but still the prospect of returning to work following a year of maternity leave filled me with apprehension.