Rockstar Games Layoffs to Be Investigated by UK Parliament Over Union-Busting Claims

December 14, 2025December 22, 2025 admin Bad Companies, Unfair Dismissal, Unions

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said Parliament will investigate union-busting allegations against Rockstar Games, following the studio's dismissal of 31 Grand Theft Auto 6 developers in October.

The issue was raised in Parliament on December 10 by local MP, Chris Murray. He informed the Prime Minister: "The video games company Rockstar in my constituency last month fired 31 employees without providing evidence or union representation. The [Independent Workers Union of Great Britain] IWGB alleges union busting."

Acas Early Conciliation Period Extended to 12 Weeks: Key Changes for 2025

November 24, 2025December 29, 2025 admin Legal Cases

A significant update to UK employment law is coming. From 1 December 2025, the Acas Early Conciliation period will be temporarily extended from six weeks to twelve weeks.

This change, introduced by The Employment Tribunals (Early Conciliation: Exemptions and Rules of Procedure) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, gives individuals and employers more time to settle disputes without a formal tribunal hearing.

HR Teams Prepare for Day-One Rights by Updating Probation and Dismissal Processes

November 21, 2025November 21, 2025 admin Legislation

HR teams are proactively updating their probation periods and dismissal policies in preparation for the introduction of day-one unfair dismissal rights under the new Employment Rights Bill.

While the bill is still progressing through parliament, a survey from WorkNest and Personnel Today shows that organisations are not waiting to begin their preparations. The research found that more than a third (37%) of HR professionals plan to change their probation periods, and a further 32% are reviewing or updating their dismissal policies ahead of the reforms.

Consult and Deliver: Shaping the Future of UK Employment Rights

November 15, 2025February 22, 2026 admin Legislation, Reforms, Unions

The landmark Employment Rights Bill (ERB) is set to transform the UK workplace, and the Government is now moving to the crucial implementation phase. To ensure these reforms are both practical and effective, a first series of four consultations has been launched, inviting stakeholders to help shape the final regulations.

While the Bill establishes the core principles, the consultations will define the details. A central theme is enhancing security and support for employees during life's most vulnerable moments. This includes significantly stronger protections for pregnant employees and new mothers, who will benefit from an expanded protected period and the classification of maternity as a protected characteristic. The consultation explores applying a stricter test for fairness, potentially making dismissal permissible only in cases of serious safety risks or gross misconduct. There is also consideration of extending these robust protections to parents returning from adoption leave.

Tate Staff Forced to Strike as Directors Prioritize Bonuses Over Fair Pay

November 13, 2025November 15, 2025 admin Strikes, Unions

In a powerful demonstration of solidarity, frontline staff at the Tate galleries have voted overwhelmingly to strike, rejecting a pay offer that would plunge them deeper into financial hardship. The move is a direct response to an institution that values its directors' bonuses over the well-being of the very workers who make its world-class exhibitions possible.

An incredible 98% of Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) members, on a massive 87% turnout, have mandated strike action, sending an unequivocal message to management that they will no longer accept poverty pay. The strike, set for 26 November to 2 December, is a necessary step after Tate’s management offered a derisory 2-3% pay increase—a significant real-terms pay cut during a crushing cost-of-living crisis.