Plain English guides on tenancy agreements, employment contracts, and UK law — written for real people, not lawyers.
Renters
Tenancy rights & renting law
💼Employment
Employment contracts & rights
💻Freelance
Freelance & contractor law
📖General
Legal jargon explained
More Guides
Buying a property in the UK? Understanding leasehold and freehold is essential. This guide explains the difference, the risks of leasehold, and how recent reforms have strengthened leaseholders' rights.
Your employer processes your personal data — but you have rights. This guide explains what data your employer can hold, how to access it, and when processing is unlawful.
Your P45 and P60 are important tax documents. This guide explains the difference, when you should receive them, and what to do if your employer fails to provide them.
Do employers have to provide a reference? Can they say anything negative? This guide explains the law on employment references in the UK — including the duty of care, confidentiality, and what to do if you receive a bad reference.
Council tenants in England may have the right to buy their home at a significant discount. This guide explains eligibility, discount amounts, the application process, and the restrictions that apply after purchase.
The Employment Rights Bill 2024-25 introduces major changes to UK employment law, including day one unfair dismissal rights, strengthened trade union rights, and new protections for workers. Here is what is expected and when.
Employers can dismiss employees for social media posts in some circumstances — but only with a fair process. This guide explains what you can and cannot post, and when dismissal for social media use is lawful.
Since April 2025, parents of babies admitted to neonatal care are entitled to up to 12 weeks of additional paid leave. This guide explains who qualifies and how to claim it.
From January 2024, holiday pay for irregular hours and part-year workers in the UK changed significantly. This guide explains the new 12.07% accrual method, rolled-up holiday pay, and what workers are now entitled to.
Since October 2024, employers cannot keep tips left for workers. The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 requires all tips to be passed on in full and fairly. Here is what you need to know.
Since April 2024, employees who care for a dependent with a long-term need have the right to take up to 5 days of unpaid carer's leave per year. This guide explains who qualifies, how to request it, and your protections.
Self-employed people claiming Universal Credit face the Minimum Income Floor — an assumed income rule that can reduce your payments even when you earn less. This guide explains how it works and when it applies.
Many UK interns are legally entitled to the National Minimum Wage — regardless of what their agreement says. This guide explains when unpaid internships are lawful and when they are not.
Most UK workers are automatically enrolled into a workplace pension. This guide explains who qualifies, minimum contributions, your right to opt out, and what to do if your employer is breaking the rules.
Race discrimination at work is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010. This guide explains what counts as race discrimination, how to prove it, and how to bring a tribunal claim with uncapped compensation.
Sex discrimination at work is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010. This guide explains what counts, how to identify it, and how to bring a tribunal claim — with no minimum service period required.
Employees on fixed-term contracts have most of the same rights as permanent staff — including protection against less favourable treatment and the right to claim unfair dismissal after 2 years.
Workplace bullying is not a standalone legal wrong, but it may give rise to claims for constructive dismissal, harassment, or personal injury. This guide explains your options.
Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are used to protect confidential information. This guide explains what NDAs cover, when they are enforceable, and when signing one could harm you.
Your landlord must protect your deposit in a government-approved scheme within 30 days. This guide explains the three schemes, your rights, and how to use them if your landlord fails to return your deposit.
There is no automatic right to work from home in the UK — but your employer cannot unilaterally change your place of work without following a proper process. This guide explains your options and protections.
A settlement agreement ends your employment in exchange for a financial payment and waives your right to bring tribunal claims. This guide explains how they work, what to watch for, and how to negotiate.
When you resign or are dismissed, your notice period matters. This guide explains your pay entitlements, whether your employer can change your duties, and what happens if you are asked to leave early.
If you live in a shared house or bedsit with multiple tenants, it may be an HMO. This guide explains what an HMO is, what standards your landlord must meet, and what you can do if they fall short.
Joint tenancies are common among friends, couples, and families. This guide explains how joint and several liability works, what happens when one person wants to leave, and how to protect yourself.
Shared Parental Leave lets parents split up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay between them. This guide explains eligibility, how to notify your employer, and how to plan leave blocks.
Your employment status determines what legal rights you have. This guide explains the difference between employee, worker, and self-employed in UK law — and why it matters.
Agency workers have specific legal rights — some from day one, others after 12 weeks of working for the same hirer. This guide explains the Agency Workers Regulations 2010 and what you can claim.
Men and women doing equal work are entitled to the same pay under the Equality Act 2010. This guide explains what counts as equal work, how to bring a claim, and what compensation is available.
Employers can dismiss employees for long-term or persistent sickness absence — but only if they follow a fair process. This guide explains when dismissal for sickness is lawful, when it is not, and how to protect yourself.
Without prejudice is a legal concept protecting settlement discussions from being used as evidence in court. This guide explains when it applies, how to use it correctly, and the difference between 'without prejudice' and 'protected conversations'.
Before making you redundant, your employer must follow a proper consultation process. This guide explains how long consultation must last, what it must cover, and what you can do if your employer skips it.
Whistleblowing protections in the UK cover workers who report wrongdoing in the public interest. This guide explains what qualifies as a protected disclosure, how to raise concerns safely, and what to do if you face retaliation.
Want to leave your rented home before the tenancy ends? This guide explains your options — break clauses, early surrender, and what happens if you leave without agreement.
Disability discrimination at work is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010. This guide explains what counts, the duty to make reasonable adjustments, and how to challenge discrimination.
Landlords cannot deduct from your deposit for fair wear and tear. This guide explains the difference between wear and tear and damage, what deductions are lawful, and how to dispute unlawful deductions.
The Working Time Regulations 1998 give UK workers the right to rest breaks, daily rest, weekly rest, and limits on working hours. This guide explains the rules and what to do if your employer breaks them.
Gross misconduct can lead to immediate dismissal without notice or pay. This guide explains what counts as gross misconduct, what your employer must still do, and how to challenge an unfair decision.
Age discrimination at work is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010. This guide explains what counts, which protections apply, and how to make a claim — whether you are young or old.
Fathers and partners have the right to statutory paternity leave and pay when a baby arrives. This guide explains who qualifies, how much you get, and how to notify your employer.
Non-compete clauses are common in UK employment contracts — but many are unenforceable. Here's how to tell whether yours would hold up in court, and what you can do about it.
If your landlord is withholding your tenancy deposit unfairly, you have legal options. Here's a step-by-step guide to getting your money back under UK law.
Receiving an eviction notice is frightening — but your landlord must follow strict legal procedures. This guide explains the different types of eviction notice, your rights, and how to challenge an unlawful eviction.
Damp and mould in a rented property is not just unpleasant — it's a health hazard your landlord is legally required to address. Here's what UK law says and what you can do.
Not all employment contracts are created equal. These 10 clauses are commonly misunderstood, frequently overreaching, and sometimes unenforceable — here's what to look for.
If you're being made redundant, UK law entitles you to statutory redundancy pay — but many employees don't know how to calculate it or what else they're owed. Here's the full picture.
Harassment at work related to a protected characteristic is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010. This guide explains what counts as harassment, what you can do, and how to make a claim.
Zero hours contracts are widely used in the UK — but many workers don't realise they still have legal rights. Here's what you're entitled to, and what employers cannot do.
Being dismissed from your job doesn't automatically mean you were dismissed unfairly. But if it was unfair, UK law gives you the right to challenge it. Here's how.
An Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) is the most common type of rental agreement in England. Here's what it actually means, what your rights are, and what to watch for before you sign.
Your employer cannot unilaterally change your employment contract without your agreement. This guide explains when changes are lawful, what you can do if your employer imposes changes, and when you may have a constructive dismissal claim.
Freelancing without a proper contract is one of the most common and costly mistakes self-employed people make. Here's what a solid UK freelance contract must include — and why it matters.
IR35 is one of the most misunderstood pieces of tax legislation in the UK. Here's what it actually means, how to know if it applies to you, and what happens if you get it wrong.
Late payment is the single biggest cash flow threat for UK freelancers. Here's what the law says, how to charge statutory interest, and how to get paid without burning the relationship.
If you receive a disciplinary sanction you think is unfair, you have the right to appeal. This guide explains how to write a disciplinary appeal letter, the grounds for appeal, and what happens at the appeal hearing.
Not everything written in a tenancy agreement is legally enforceable. Here are 7 clauses that UK landlords cannot legally include — and what to do if yours has them.
The small claims court lets you resolve disputes up to £10,000 without a solicitor. Here's a step-by-step guide to making a claim, what to expect, and how to maximise your chances of winning.
Indemnity, warranty, force majeure, boilerplate — legal documents are full of terms most people have never been taught. Here's what they actually mean.
From day one of employment, you have the right to request flexible working in the UK. This guide explains who qualifies, how to make a formal request, and what happens if your employer refuses.
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 is the biggest shake-up of tenant law in decades. Here's exactly what's changing, what's already in force, and what you need to know before signing a new tenancy.
Your landlord cannot enter your rented home whenever they like. This guide explains the legal notice requirements, when access is permitted, and what to do if your landlord enters without your consent.
A settlement agreement ends your employment in exchange for a payment — but signing the wrong one can cost you thousands. Here's what UK law requires, what you should negotiate, and what you must never waive.
Constructive dismissal occurs when your employer's behaviour forces you to resign. This guide explains what counts, how to prove it, and how to make a tribunal claim — in plain English.
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 abolishes 'no-fault' Section 21 evictions in England. Here's what this means for tenants, when it takes effect, and what landlords can still do.
Everything you need to know about statutory maternity leave and pay in the UK — eligibility, how much you get, keeping in touch days, and your right to return to work.
Statutory Sick Pay is one of the most misunderstood employment rights in the UK. Here's who qualifies, how much you get, how long it lasts, and what to do if your employer refuses to pay.
Garden leave means being told to stay away from work during your notice period while still being paid. This guide explains when it's legal, what you can and cannot do during it, and how it interacts with post-termination restrictions.
Probation periods feel like a legal grey area — but employees have more rights than most realise. Here's what UK law says about dismissal, extensions, sick leave, and what's actually in your contract.
Facing a disciplinary hearing at work? This guide explains your legal rights, what the ACAS Code requires, how to prepare, and what to do if you disagree with the outcome.
A step-by-step guide to making an employment tribunal claim in England and Wales — from ACAS early conciliation to the hearing itself. What to expect, how much it costs, and how long it takes.
Your landlord wants to raise your rent. But is the increase legal? Here's exactly what UK law says about how, when, and by how much landlords can increase rent — and how to challenge an unfair rise.
UK landlords have strict legal duties to keep your home in repair. This guide explains what they must fix, the timeframes involved, and what you can do if they refuse — including rent withholding, housing disrepair claims, and reporting to the council.
Can your employer force you back to the office? Can you request remote work permanently? Here's what UK employment law says about working from home, flexible working requests, and your rights.
A letter before action (LBA) is a formal demand that puts the other party on notice before legal proceedings. This guide explains when to use one, what it must contain, and how to write an effective letter before claim.
If your employer is sold, merged, or outsources your role, TUPE regulations protect your job, pay, and terms. Here's what transfers, what can't be changed, and what to do if your employer tries to cut your rights.