{"id":9126,"date":"2024-05-22T00:18:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-22T00:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/?post_type=resources&#038;p=9126"},"modified":"2026-04-27T13:02:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T13:02:07","slug":"minimum-service-levels","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/","title":{"rendered":"Strike Act 2023: Minimum service levels overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-primary-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-9cf0d03d wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:25px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7fc3d43a wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<p class=\"\">by <strong>Paul McFarlane<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">In July 2023, the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 came into force. This legislation gives the Government the power to make regulations to introduce minimum service levels (MSLs) where strikes take place in &#8220;relevant services&#8221;. To date, MSL regulations are in place for passenger rail, ambulance, border control, and fire &amp; rescue services, with regulations awaited for key hospital, education and nuclear decommissioning and radioactive waste management services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">We answer practical questions that employers in relevant services may have about this change to the law and how it may impact them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"msl-start\">How does the MSL process start?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">If a union issues a valid strike notice, employers&nbsp;<em>may<\/em>, having first&nbsp;<a href=\"#consultation\">consulted the union<\/a>, give it a &#8220;work notice&#8221;, which must identify:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">The workers that are required to work, which must be no more than are &#8220;reasonably necessary&#8221; to fulfil MSLs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The work they are required to do.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Government&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/minimum-service-levels-msl-issuing-work-notices\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">guidance<\/a>&nbsp;on issuing work notices (<a href=\"#gov-guidance\">see below<\/a>) recommends that employers should keep a record of their methodology for identifying the work and the workers required in a work notice. Section 3.2 of the Work Notice Guidance contains a useful flowchart of the steps employers should take to produce a work notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"employer-notify\">Do employers have to notify individual workers of the requirement to work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Although the legislation does not explicitly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/solutions\/reduce-compliance-risk\/\">require employers<\/a> to inform affected employees that they are required to work under a work notice, there are important consequences if an employer fails to do so. The Government&#8217;s guidance suggests as a matter of good practice that employers should do so as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">This will help the worker to understand what is expected of them and help the employer provide the MSL on strike day(s).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Workers will lose their protection from automatic unfair dismissal for industrial action only if they:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"\">are an identified worker in the work notice;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">have also been given an individual notice in writing by the employer; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">do not comply with the work notice and instead take part in the strike.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--secondary-blue);border-left-width:5px;padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-medium-font-size\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:500\">&#8220;The Government is proceeding to consult and roll out regulations in the remaining sectors to which MSLs can apply. However, at a Special Congress of the TUC General Council convened in December 2023, the TUC called for the repeal of the MSLs legislation to be part of an Employment Bill in the first 100 days of a Labour Government.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-alabaster-gray-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-80fb368b wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:25px;border-bottom-right-radius:25px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"gov-guidance\">Government guidance on work notices &#8211; its status and how will it be used?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The Government guidance (Minimum Service Levels: Issuing work notices, a guide for employers, trade unions and workers) is non-statutory guidance. This means courts and tribunals&nbsp;<em>may<\/em>&nbsp;choose to consider its content where relevant, although ultimately it is not binding. Nevertheless, as set out below, there are practical issues that employers need to consider when seeking to use MSLs that are covered in the Government guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">For employers in passenger rail services, the Government has issued supplemental&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/minimum-service-levels-for-passenger-railway-services-regulations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">guidance<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"must-an-employer-issue-a-work-notice\">Must an employer issue a work notice?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">In short, no. Employers are not under any statutory obligation to issue a work notice to a union in response to a valid strike notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Employers will therefore need to weigh up whether or not to do so. The Government guidance suggests that employers should consider their existing legal duties and obligations, for example contractual requirements or public law duties. The guidance goes on to suggest that other considerations include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">Whether or not the employer can achieve the MSL without issuing a work notice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Attendance levels during any previous strike action.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Circumstances that may affect the delivery of the MSL, including expected level of demand for the service, and the location and timing of the strike.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The duration of the strike.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Any voluntary agreements with the union that provides for MSLs during strike days.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"consultation\">What consultation do employers need to carry out before issuing a work notice?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Before issuing a work notice, the employer must consult the union about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">The number of workers to be identified.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">The work to be specified in the work notice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Consultation may, for example, be via email exchange or a face-to-face meeting. The Government guidance suggests the employer should share the information relating to the consultation initially in a written format, and preferably electronically, due to time constraints and for ease of record-keeping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">While employers are not obliged to agree with the union&#8217;s response, they are under a duty to &#8220;have regard to any views expressed by the union&#8221;.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-secondary-light-gray-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-fcdab8bb wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\">Want to make smarter, more-informed decisions?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-font-size\" style=\"font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.274), 16px);font-style:normal;font-weight:500\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-secondary-blue-color has-primary-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-element-button\" href=\"\/uk\/products\/hr-compliance-centre\/?intcmp=hrcc-resources|cta-single|dark|banner|hrcc-product-page|learn-more\" style=\"border-radius:100px\">Learn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"consultation-timeline\">When does consultation need to start and end?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The legislation does not prescribe when the consultation must start and end. However, in practice, employers will need to start consultation with the union as soon as possible to ensure compliance with work notice time limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"time-limits\">What are the time limits for issuing a work notice?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Unions must give employers a strike notice no later than 14 days before the first day of the strike, and the employer has to issue a work notice no later than seven days before the strike day (unless employer and union agree a later day). This means that if the strike is due to start on (say) a Thursday, the work notice must be given no later than the previous Thursday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Employers do not need to produce a new work notice for each strike day. The Government guidance provides that &#8220;a work notice may be produced and issued for each day that a strike takes place, or to cover several strike days (including continuous or non-continuous strike days), or the entire period to which the notice of strike action relates&#8221;. However, an employer must still provide seven days&#8217; notice to the union prior to the first day to which the relevant work notice applies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Where a union gives a strike notice on the last possible day, this allows the union only a short period to consider the proposed number of workers and work specified in the consultation, to express its views in response, and for the employer to consider the response, prepare the work notice and issue it to the union.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The Government guidance suggests that if the union does not respond substantively to the consultation by a date and time reasonably set by the employer, the employer can continue to issue the work notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"vary-work-notice\">Can an employer vary the work notice?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Yes, employers may vary a work notice before the end of the fourth day before the strike date (or before the end of any later day agreed with the union).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">However, before varying a work notice, employers must consult the union about the variation as before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"non-compliance\">What happens to unions\/employees that do not comply with a work notice?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">A union that fails to take reasonable steps to ensure compliance with a work notice may be sued for damages and lose its ability to apply for injunctive relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The Government has published a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/reasonable-steps-to-be-taken-by-a-trade-union-code-of-practice\/code-of-practice-issued-by-the-secretary-of-state-under-section-203-of-the-trade-union-and-labour-relations-consolidation-act-1992-on-reasonable-ste\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">code of practice<\/a>&nbsp;on how unions can seek to comply with the above reasonable steps requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Depending on the circumstances, workers (including those not named in a work notice and who strike) may lose their protection from automatic unfair dismissal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"prepare-strikes\">What can employers do to prepare for strikes?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Given that there will usually be limited time for employers to prepare and consult on a work notice once a union has given notice of a strike, the Government guidance recommends that employers prepare in advance, where possible. Depending on the circumstances, preparation may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\">Developing an approach to identifying workers and the work required.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Developing the process for preparing and issuing a work notice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\">Discussing the consultation process with the union.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Another reason the guidance suggests discussing the consultation process with the union is that this may help to demonstrate that the employer&#8217;s process is clear and fair, build trust, and reduce tensions and disputes during any subsequent dispute. It may also help to demonstrate that the employer is not taking into consideration a worker&#8217;s union membership or related activities when creating a work notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The guidance also recommends that employers should discuss the type and format of data to be shared in a work notice with the union, to ensure that the union can access and process the data, and that it can use that information to identify its members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"future-msls\">The future of MSLs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">It is still relatively early days since the MSLs legislation took effect in certain services and its effects have not yet been seen. In the Government&#8217;s impact assessment of the legislation, it identified a risk that the legislation could lead to greater use of other forms of industrial action short of a strike in relevant&nbsp;services&nbsp;where MSLs are imposed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">In the meantime, the Government is proceeding to consult and roll out regulations in the remaining sectors to which MSLs can apply. However, at a Special Congress of the TUC General Council convened in December 2023, the TUC called for the repeal of the MSLs legislation to be part of an Employment Bill in the first 100 days of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/c-and-i\/labour-government-employment-law-changes\/\">Labour Government<\/a>. The Labour Party itself has also committed to the repeal of this legislation if elected, but has not given a timeframe for this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-alabaster-gray-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-80fb368b wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-bottom-left-radius:25px;border-bottom-right-radius:25px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"resources\">Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-brightmine-list-item-spacing-small\">\n<li class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrcentre.uk.brightmine.com\/letters-and-forms\/letter-to-trade-union-issuing-work-notice-minimum-service-levels-\/167008\/\">Letter to trade union issuing work notice (minimum service levels)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrcentre.uk.brightmine.com\/letters-and-forms\/letter-to-worker-confirming-requirement-to-work-during-strike-action-minimum-service-levels-\/167007\/\">Letter to worker confirming requirement to work during strike action (minimum service levels)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrcentre.uk.brightmine.com\/commentary-and-insights\/the-strikes-minimum-service-levels-bill-controversial-in-theory-unworkable-in-practice\/166842\/\">The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill: Controversial in theory, unworkable in practice<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hrcentre.uk.brightmine.com\/employment-law-guide\/handling-industrial-action\/20411\/\">Handling industrial action<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column lnrs-hide-block-on-mobile is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-left-color:var(--wp--preset--color--secondary-gray);border-left-width:2px;padding-left:10px;flex-basis:30%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained wp-container-1 is-position-sticky\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-bleach-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a36fa716 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:14px;padding-top:10px;padding-right:15px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:15px\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Navigate HR complexity with confidence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">With Brightmine, you can build powerful people strategies, implement best practices and set your organisation up for a brighter future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Learn how our tools, resources and automation can empower you and your team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"\/uk\/solutions\/?intcmp=cta|blog|solutions|learn-more\" style=\"border-radius:25px\">Learn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<p class=\"\"><a href=\"#top\">Go back to the top<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-primary-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4b7a3f7f wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:25px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You may also be interested in&#8230;<\/h2>\n\n\n<section id=\"resources-search-filter\" class=\"wp-elements-3b248a209ed7fb36b294e082a07e0bd2 wp-block-brightmine-resources-filter has-text-color has-primary-gray-color has-background has-primary-white-background-color\">\n\n\n<div class=\"ajax-filter\">\n<div class=\"lnrs-resources-search-filter  editor-posts-filtered-topics \">\n\t\t<div class=\"search_terms_bottom\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"bottom_left\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"search_terms_result_count\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"bottom_right\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"loader-container\">\n\t\t<span class=\"loader\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-filter-widget__container\">\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource\" style=\"background-color: #f3f2f0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/employment-rights-act-2025-trade-union-law-changes-questions-answered\/\"><div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource_image\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/12171529\/coworkers-working-on-laptops-in-modern-office.webp);\"><\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__inner_content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content-top\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category\">Commentary and Insights<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"title\" style=\"color: #00728B\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/employment-rights-act-2025-trade-union-law-changes-questions-answered\/\">Employment Rights Act 2025 trade union law changes: Your questions answered<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"color: #202526\">This article answers key employer questions on the latest trade union law reforms under the Employment Rights Act &#8230;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource\" style=\"background-color: #f3f2f0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/talent-management\/world-cup-2026-employers-guide-to-workplace-implications\/\"><div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource_image\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2001\/05\/02090540\/soccer-players-competing-for-ball-during-match.webp);\"><\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__inner_content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content-top\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category\">Commentary and Insights<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"title\" style=\"color: #00728B\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/talent-management\/world-cup-2026-employers-guide-to-workplace-implications\/\">World Cup 2026: Employers&#8217; guide to workplace implications<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"color: #202526\">Major sporting events such as the 2026 World Cup can affect attendance, productivity and employee relations. This guide &#8230;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource\" style=\"background-color: #f3f2f0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/talent-management\/talent-acquisition\/onboarding\/probation-policy\/\"><div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__resource_image\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/20144536\/two-male-students-discussing-hr.webp);\"><\/div><\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__inner_content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"content-top\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__categories\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"lnrs-resource-hub-widget__category\">Tools &amp; templates<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"title\" style=\"color: #00728B\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/talent-management\/talent-acquisition\/onboarding\/probation-policy\/\">Probation policy<\/a><\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p style=\"color: #202526\">A clear, practical probation policy to help you manage performance, make fair decisions, and reduce legal and employee &#8230;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-primary-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-fcdab8bb wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:25px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:clamp(17.905px, 1.119rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 1.383), 28px);\">About the author<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-658170e2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized has-custom-border is-style-rounded\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"128\" height=\"128\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/03\/12085308\/Brightmine_Favicon_128px.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-313\" style=\"border-radius:25px;object-fit:cover;width:100px;height:100px\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Paul McFarlane<\/strong><br>Partner at Capsticks Solicitors LLP<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Paul McFarlane is a partner in the employment and pensions department at Capsticks and has over 25 years&#8217; experience advising clients in the public and private sector on all aspects of employment law. His particular specialisms include advising on all aspects of industrial relations law and complex discrimination and whistleblowing claims. Paul regularly comments on equality law issues in the national, legal and HR press.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Paul is the chair of the Employment Lawyers Association, an apolitical association representing almost 7,000 employment lawyers who act for both employers and employees. He is a board member of the Black Solicitors Network, with responsibility for managing its relationship with the BSN Corporate Members. Paul also sits as an external assessor for the College of Policing and sits on the IMPRESS (a press regulator) Appointments Panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Paul was named as Chambers &amp; Partners Minority Lawyer of the Year 2019 for work he has done to make the legal profession more diverse and inclusive.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-primary-white-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-0fd240ca wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" id=\"newsletter\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-large-font-size\">Sign up to receive expert HR insights from Brightmine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ebe15cfa wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Join our community and stay updated with industry trends, expert insights, valuable resources, webinar invites\u2026 and much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Sign up now and receive regular updates straight to your inbox!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-contact-form-7-contact-form-selector is-style-flex-layout\" redirectaftersubmission=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/thank-you-insights-email\/\">\n<div class=\"wpcf7 no-js\" id=\"wpcf7-f10351-o1\" lang=\"none\" dir=\"ltr\" data-wpcf7-id=\"10351\">\n<div class=\"screen-reader-response\"><p role=\"status\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-atomic=\"true\"><\/p> <ul><\/ul><\/div>\n<form action=\"\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resources\/9126#wpcf7-f10351-o1\" method=\"post\" class=\"wpcf7-form init\" aria-label=\"Contact form\" novalidate=\"novalidate\" data-status=\"init\">\n<fieldset class=\"hidden-fields-container\"><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7\" value=\"10351\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_version\" value=\"6.1.5\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_locale\" value=\"\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_unit_tag\" value=\"wpcf7-f10351-o1\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_container_post\" value=\"0\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_posted_data_hash\" value=\"\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wpcf7_title\" value=\"Newsletter\" \/>\n<\/fieldset>\n<input class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-hidden\" id=\"elqFormName\" value=\"sparknewsletter\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"elqFormName\" \/>\n<input class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-hidden\" id=\"elqSiteID\" value=\"1006146\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"elqSiteID\" \/>\n<input class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-hidden\" id=\"sfid\" value=\"\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"sfid\" \/>\n<input class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-hidden\" id=\"cmpid\" value=\"\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"cmpid\" \/>\n<input class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-hidden\" id=\"elqCookieWrite\" value=\"0\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"elqCookieWrite\" \/>\n<input class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-hidden\" id=\"elqCustomerGUID\" value=\"\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"elqCustomerGUID\" \/>\n<input class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-hidden a-s-text\" id=\"a-s-text\" value=\"\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"a-s-text\" \/>\n<input class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-hidden\" id=\"Market\" value=\"UK\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"Market\" \/>\n<input class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-hidden\" id=\"Website\" value=\"Website\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"Website\" \/>\n<input class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-hidden\" id=\"utm_source\" value=\"\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"utm_source\" \/>\n<input class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-hidden\" id=\"utm_medium\" value=\"\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"utm_medium\" \/>\n<input class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-hidden\" id=\"utm_campaign\" value=\"\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"utm_campaign\" \/>\n<input class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-hidden\" id=\"utm_content\" value=\"\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"utm_content\" \/>\n<input class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-hidden\" id=\"utm_content_type\" value=\"\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"utm_content_type\" \/>\n<input class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-hidden\" value=\"\" type=\"hidden\" name=\"Source\" \/>\n\n<div class=\"c-grid  form-fields\">\n<div class=\"form-inputs-container\">\n<div class=\"inputs-container\">\n<div><span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"firstName\"><input size=\"40\" maxlength=\"35\" minlength=\"2\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text wpcf7-validates-as-required\" id=\"FirstName\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" placeholder=\"Name\" value=\"\" type=\"text\" name=\"firstName\" \/><\/span><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"EmailAddress\"><input size=\"40\" maxlength=\"320\" class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-email wpcf7-validates-as-required wpcf7-text wpcf7-validates-as-email\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" placeholder=\"Business email address\" value=\"\" type=\"email\" name=\"EmailAddress\" \/><\/span><\/div>\n<div><span class=\"wpcf7-form-control-wrap\" data-name=\"Country\"><select class=\"wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-select wpcf7-validates-as-required\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\" name=\"Country\"><option value=\"\">Your country \/ region<\/option><option value=\"United Kingdom\">United Kingdom<\/option><option value=\"United States\">United States<\/option><option value=\"Afghanistan\">Afghanistan<\/option><option value=\"Aland Islands\">Aland Islands<\/option><option value=\"Albania\">Albania<\/option><option value=\"Algeria\">Algeria<\/option><option value=\"American Samoa\">American Samoa<\/option><option value=\"Andorra\">Andorra<\/option><option value=\"Angola\">Angola<\/option><option value=\"Anguilla\">Anguilla<\/option><option value=\"Antarctica\">Antarctica<\/option><option value=\"Antigua and Barbuda\">Antigua and Barbuda<\/option><option value=\"Argentina\">Argentina<\/option><option value=\"Armenia\">Armenia<\/option><option value=\"Aruba\">Aruba<\/option><option value=\"Australia\">Australia<\/option><option value=\"Austria\">Austria<\/option><option value=\"Azerbaijan\">Azerbaijan<\/option><option value=\"Bahamas\">Bahamas<\/option><option value=\"Bahrain\">Bahrain<\/option><option value=\"Bangladesh\">Bangladesh<\/option><option value=\"Barbados\">Barbados<\/option><option value=\"Belarus\">Belarus<\/option><option value=\"Belgium\">Belgium<\/option><option value=\"Belize\">Belize<\/option><option value=\"Benin\">Benin<\/option><option value=\"Bermuda\">Bermuda<\/option><option value=\"Bhutan\">Bhutan<\/option><option value=\"Bolivia, Plurinational State\">Bolivia, Plurinational State<\/option><option value=\"Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba\">Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba<\/option><option value=\"Bosnia and Herzegovina\">Bosnia and Herzegovina<\/option><option value=\"Botswana\">Botswana<\/option><option value=\"Bouvet Island\">Bouvet Island<\/option><option value=\"Brazil\">Brazil<\/option><option value=\"British Indian Ocean Territory\">British Indian Ocean Territory<\/option><option value=\"Brunei\n    Darussalam\">Brunei\n    Darussalam<\/option><option value=\"Bulgaria\">Bulgaria<\/option><option value=\"Burkina Faso\">Burkina Faso<\/option><option value=\"Burundi\">Burundi<\/option><option value=\"Cambodia\">Cambodia<\/option><option value=\"Cameroon\">Cameroon<\/option><option value=\"Canada\">Canada<\/option><option value=\"Cape Verde\">Cape Verde<\/option><option value=\"Cayman Islands\">Cayman Islands<\/option><option value=\"Central African Republic\">Central African Republic<\/option><option value=\"Chad\">Chad<\/option><option value=\"Chile\">Chile<\/option><option value=\"China\">China<\/option><option value=\"Christmas Island\">Christmas Island<\/option><option value=\"Cocos (Keeling) Islands\">Cocos (Keeling) Islands<\/option><option value=\"Colombia\">Colombia<\/option><option value=\"Comoros\">Comoros<\/option><option value=\"Congo\">Congo<\/option><option value=\"Congo, the Democratic Republic of the\">Congo, the Democratic Republic of the<\/option><option value=\"Cook Islands\">Cook Islands<\/option><option value=\"Costa Rica\">Costa Rica<\/option><option value=\"Cote d&#039;Ivoire\">Cote d&#039;Ivoire<\/option><option value=\"Croatia\">Croatia<\/option><option value=\"Cuba\">Cuba<\/option><option value=\"Cura\u00e7ao\">Cura\u00e7ao<\/option><option value=\"Cyprus\">Cyprus<\/option><option value=\"Czech\n    Republic\">Czech\n    Republic<\/option><option value=\"Denmark\">Denmark<\/option><option value=\"Djibouti\">Djibouti<\/option><option value=\"Dominica\">Dominica<\/option><option value=\"Dominican Republic\">Dominican Republic<\/option><option value=\"Ecuador\">Ecuador<\/option><option value=\"Egypt\">Egypt<\/option><option value=\"El Salvador\">El Salvador<\/option><option value=\"Equatorial Guinea\">Equatorial Guinea<\/option><option value=\"Eritrea\">Eritrea<\/option><option value=\"Estonia\">Estonia<\/option><option value=\"Eswatini\">Eswatini<\/option><option value=\"Ethiopia\">Ethiopia<\/option><option value=\"Falkland Islands (Malvinas)\">Falkland Islands (Malvinas)<\/option><option value=\"Faroe Islands\">Faroe Islands<\/option><option value=\"Fiji\">Fiji<\/option><option value=\"Finland\">Finland<\/option><option value=\"France\">France<\/option><option value=\"French Guiana\">French Guiana<\/option><option value=\"French Polynesia\">French Polynesia<\/option><option value=\"French Southern Territories\">French Southern Territories<\/option><option value=\"Gabon\">Gabon<\/option><option value=\"Gambia\">Gambia<\/option><option value=\"Georgia\">Georgia<\/option><option value=\"Germany\">Germany<\/option><option value=\"Ghana\">Ghana<\/option><option value=\"Gibraltar\">Gibraltar<\/option><option value=\"Greece\">Greece<\/option><option value=\"Greenland\">Greenland<\/option><option value=\"Grenada\">Grenada<\/option><option value=\"Guadeloupe\">Guadeloupe<\/option><option value=\"Guam\">Guam<\/option><option value=\"Guatemala\">Guatemala<\/option><option value=\"Guernsey\">Guernsey<\/option><option value=\"Guinea\">Guinea<\/option><option value=\"Guinea-Bissau\">Guinea-Bissau<\/option><option value=\"Guyana\">Guyana<\/option><option value=\"Haiti\">Haiti<\/option><option value=\"Heard Island and McDonald Islands\">Heard Island and McDonald Islands<\/option><option value=\"Holy\n    See (Vatican City State)\">Holy\n    See (Vatican City State)<\/option><option value=\"Honduras\">Honduras<\/option><option value=\"Hong Kong\">Hong Kong<\/option><option value=\"Hungary\">Hungary<\/option><option value=\"Iceland\">Iceland<\/option><option value=\"India\">India<\/option><option value=\"Indonesia\">Indonesia<\/option><option value=\"Iran, Islamic Republic of\">Iran, Islamic Republic of<\/option><option value=\"Iraq\">Iraq<\/option><option value=\"Ireland\">Ireland<\/option><option value=\"Isle of Man\">Isle of Man<\/option><option value=\"Israel\">Israel<\/option><option value=\"Italy\">Italy<\/option><option value=\"Jamaica\">Jamaica<\/option><option value=\"Japan\">Japan<\/option><option value=\"Jersey\">Jersey<\/option><option value=\"Jordan\">Jordan<\/option><option value=\"Kazakhstan\">Kazakhstan<\/option><option value=\"Kenya\">Kenya<\/option><option value=\"Kiribati\">Kiribati<\/option><option value=\"Korea, Democratic People&#039;s Republic of\">Korea, Democratic People&#039;s Republic of<\/option><option value=\"Korea, Republic of\">Korea, Republic of<\/option><option value=\"Kosovo\">Kosovo<\/option><option value=\"Kuwait\">Kuwait<\/option><option value=\"Kyrgyzstan\">Kyrgyzstan<\/option><option value=\"Lao People&#039;s Democratic Republic\">Lao People&#039;s Democratic Republic<\/option><option value=\"Latvia\">Latvia<\/option><option value=\"Lebanon\">Lebanon<\/option><option value=\"Lesotho\">Lesotho<\/option><option value=\"Liberia\">Liberia<\/option><option value=\"Libyan Arab Jamahiriya\">Libyan Arab Jamahiriya<\/option><option value=\"Liechtenstein\">Liechtenstein<\/option><option value=\"Lithuania\">Lithuania<\/option><option value=\"Luxembourg\">Luxembourg<\/option><option value=\"Macao\">Macao<\/option><option value=\"Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic\n    of\">Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic\n    of<\/option><option value=\"Madagascar\">Madagascar<\/option><option value=\"Malawi\">Malawi<\/option><option value=\"Malaysia\">Malaysia<\/option><option value=\"Maldives\">Maldives<\/option><option value=\"Mali\">Mali<\/option><option value=\"Malta\">Malta<\/option><option value=\"Marshall\n    Islands\">Marshall\n    Islands<\/option><option value=\"Martinique\">Martinique<\/option><option value=\"Mauritania\">Mauritania<\/option><option value=\"Mauritius\">Mauritius<\/option><option value=\"Mayotte\">Mayotte<\/option><option value=\"Mexico\">Mexico<\/option><option value=\"Micronesia\">Micronesia<\/option><option value=\"Moldova, Republic of\">Moldova, Republic of<\/option><option value=\"Monaco\">Monaco<\/option><option value=\"Mongolia\">Mongolia<\/option><option value=\"Montenegro\">Montenegro<\/option><option value=\"Montserrat\">Montserrat<\/option><option value=\"Morocco\">Morocco<\/option><option value=\"Mozambique\">Mozambique<\/option><option value=\"Myanmar\">Myanmar<\/option><option value=\"Namibia\">Namibia<\/option><option value=\"Nauru\">Nauru<\/option><option value=\"Nepal\">Nepal<\/option><option value=\"Netherlands\">Netherlands<\/option><option value=\"New Caledonia\">New Caledonia<\/option><option value=\"New Zealand\">New Zealand<\/option><option value=\"Nicaragua\">Nicaragua<\/option><option value=\"Niger\">Niger<\/option><option value=\"Nigeria\">Nigeria<\/option><option value=\"Niue\">Niue<\/option><option value=\"Norfolk Island\">Norfolk Island<\/option><option value=\"Northern Mariana Islands\">Northern Mariana Islands<\/option><option value=\"Norway\">Norway<\/option><option value=\"Oman\">Oman<\/option><option value=\"Pakistan\">Pakistan<\/option><option value=\"Palau\">Palau<\/option><option value=\"Palestinian Territory, Occupied\">Palestinian Territory, Occupied<\/option><option value=\"Panama\">Panama<\/option><option value=\"Papua New\n    Guinea\">Papua New\n    Guinea<\/option><option value=\"Paraguay\">Paraguay<\/option><option value=\"Peru\">Peru<\/option><option value=\"Philippines\">Philippines<\/option><option value=\"Pitcairn\">Pitcairn<\/option><option value=\"Poland\">Poland<\/option><option value=\"Portugal\">Portugal<\/option><option value=\"Puerto Rico\">Puerto Rico<\/option><option value=\"Qatar\">Qatar<\/option><option value=\"Reunion\">Reunion<\/option><option value=\"Romania\">Romania<\/option><option value=\"Russian Federation\">Russian Federation<\/option><option value=\"Rwanda\">Rwanda<\/option><option value=\"Saint Barth\u00e9lemy\">Saint Barth\u00e9lemy<\/option><option value=\"Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha\">Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha<\/option><option value=\"Saint\n    Kitts and Nevis\">Saint\n    Kitts and Nevis<\/option><option value=\"Saint Lucia\">Saint Lucia<\/option><option value=\"Saint Martin (French part)\">Saint Martin (French part)<\/option><option value=\"Saint Pierre\n    and Miquelon\">Saint Pierre\n    and Miquelon<\/option><option value=\"Saint Vincent and the Grenadines\">Saint Vincent and the Grenadines<\/option><option value=\"Samoa\">Samoa<\/option><option value=\"San Marino\">San Marino<\/option><option value=\"Sao\n    Tome and Principe\">Sao\n    Tome and Principe<\/option><option value=\"Saudi Arabia\">Saudi Arabia<\/option><option value=\"Senegal\">Senegal<\/option><option value=\"Serbia\">Serbia<\/option><option value=\"Seychelles\">Seychelles<\/option><option value=\"Sierra\n    Leone\">Sierra\n    Leone<\/option><option value=\"Singapore\">Singapore<\/option><option value=\"Sint Maarten (Dutch part)\">Sint Maarten (Dutch part)<\/option><option value=\"Slovakia\">Slovakia<\/option><option value=\"Slovenia\">Slovenia<\/option><option value=\"Solomon Islands\">Solomon Islands<\/option><option value=\"Somalia\">Somalia<\/option><option value=\"South Africa\">South Africa<\/option><option value=\"South Georgia and the South\n    Sandwich Islands\">South Georgia and the South\n    Sandwich Islands<\/option><option value=\"South Sudan\">South Sudan<\/option><option value=\"Spain\">Spain<\/option><option value=\"Sri Lanka\">Sri Lanka<\/option><option value=\"Sudan\">Sudan<\/option><option value=\"Suriname\">Suriname<\/option><option value=\"Svalbard and Jan Mayen\">Svalbard and Jan Mayen<\/option><option value=\"Sweden\">Sweden<\/option><option value=\"Switzerland\">Switzerland<\/option><option value=\"Syrian Arab Republic\">Syrian Arab Republic<\/option><option value=\"Taiwan\">Taiwan<\/option><option value=\"Tajikistan\">Tajikistan<\/option><option value=\"Tanzania, United Republic of\">Tanzania, United Republic of<\/option><option value=\"Thailand\">Thailand<\/option><option value=\"Timor-Leste\">Timor-Leste<\/option><option value=\"Togo\">Togo<\/option><option value=\"Tokelau\">Tokelau<\/option><option value=\"Tonga\">Tonga<\/option><option value=\"Trinidad and Tobago\">Trinidad and Tobago<\/option><option value=\"Tunisia\">Tunisia<\/option><option value=\"Turkey\">Turkey<\/option><option value=\"Turkmenistan\">Turkmenistan<\/option><option value=\"Turks and Caicos Islands\">Turks and Caicos Islands<\/option><option value=\"Tuvalu\">Tuvalu<\/option><option value=\"Uganda\">Uganda<\/option><option value=\"Ukraine\">Ukraine<\/option><option value=\"United Arab Emirates\">United Arab Emirates<\/option><option value=\"United\n    States Minor Outlying Islands\">United\n    States Minor Outlying Islands<\/option><option value=\"Uruguay\">Uruguay<\/option><option value=\"Uzbekistan\">Uzbekistan<\/option><option value=\"Vanuatu\">Vanuatu<\/option><option value=\"Venezuela,\n    Bolivarian Republic of\">Venezuela,\n    Bolivarian Republic of<\/option><option value=\"Viet Nam\">Viet Nam<\/option><option value=\"Virgin Islands, British\">Virgin Islands, British<\/option><option value=\"Wallis and\n    Futuna\">Wallis and\n    Futuna<\/option><option value=\"Western Sahara\">Western Sahara<\/option><option value=\"Yemen\">Yemen<\/option><option value=\"Zambia\">Zambia<\/option><option value=\"Zimbabwe\">Zimbabwe<\/option><\/select><\/span><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"form-submit\">\n<button type=\"submit\" id=\"contact-us-submit-button\" class=\"wp-block-button__link wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-submit has-spinner\">Get our latest updates<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\nLNRS Data Services Limited and its affiliates may contact you about relevant solutions, services, events and industry insights. You can opt-out via the unsubscribe link in the communications that you receive or by contacting us.\n<\/p><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"client_id\" class=\"client_id\" \/><input type=\"text\" class=\"elq-itemhp-tel5\" name=\"Telephone5\" value=\"\" style=\"width:100%;\" autocomplete=\"2S0OI3\">\n\t\t<input type=\"text\" class=\"elq-itemhp-tel6\" name=\"Telephone6\" value=\"\" style=\"width:100%;\" autocomplete=\"DduwX4\">\n\t\t<input type=\"text\" class=\"elq-itemhp-tel7\" name=\"Telephone7\" value=\"\" style=\"width:100%;\" autocomplete=\"8ihsaF\"><div class=\"wpcf7-response-output\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<\/form>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 creates new compliance requirements for employers. Learn about the law and what responsibilities you may have as an employer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":11365,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"wp-custom-template-new-resources","categories":[53],"tags":[],"topic":[59,24],"class_list":["post-9126","resources","type-resources","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-c-and-i","topic-employment-law-updates","topic-hr-compliance"],"_lnrs_read_more":"","yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Strike Act 2023: Minimum service levels overview | Brightmine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 creates new compliance requirements for employers. Learn this new law and how to comply.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Strike Act 2023: Minimum service levels overview | Brightmine\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 creates new compliance requirements for employers. Learn this new law and how to comply.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Brightmine UK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-27T13:02:07+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/23085202\/feature-employees-reviewing-documents-at-desk-1200x627px.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"627\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@WeAreBrightmine\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"32 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":[\"Article\",\"BlogPosting\"],\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Natasha Wiebusch\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/bb5fae3b7bdf45f9a45405515eea895a\"},\"headline\":\"Strike Act 2023: Minimum service levels overview\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-05-22T00:18:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-27T13:02:07+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/\"},\"wordCount\":1741,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/23085202\/feature-employees-reviewing-documents-at-desk-1200x627px.webp\",\"articleSection\":[\"Commentary and Insights\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/\",\"name\":\"Strike Act 2023: Minimum service levels overview | Brightmine\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/23085202\/feature-employees-reviewing-documents-at-desk-1200x627px.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-05-22T00:18:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-27T13:02:07+00:00\",\"description\":\"The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 creates new compliance requirements for employers. Learn this new law and how to comply.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/23085202\/feature-employees-reviewing-documents-at-desk-1200x627px.webp\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/23085202\/feature-employees-reviewing-documents-at-desk-1200x627px.webp\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":627,\"caption\":\"Employees at work reviewing documents at a desk.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"HR compliance\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Employment law updates\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"Strike Act 2023: Minimum service levels overview\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/\",\"name\":\"Brightmine UK\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Brightmine\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/07092215\/Brightmine-logo_Full-color_Primary.webp\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/07092215\/Brightmine-logo_Full-color_Primary.webp\",\"width\":1941,\"height\":508,\"caption\":\"Brightmine\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/x.com\/WeAreBrightmine\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/brightmine\/\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@WeAreBrightmine\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/bb5fae3b7bdf45f9a45405515eea895a\",\"name\":\"Natasha Wiebusch\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4496670e60e24d3812a9cd8e0bcd5fb86ea55e6ebfa3552a03de4b477976e2dd?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4496670e60e24d3812a9cd8e0bcd5fb86ea55e6ebfa3552a03de4b477976e2dd?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Natasha Wiebusch\"},\"description\":\"Natasha K. A. Wiebusch is the marketing content manager at Brightmine. Before transitioning to the marketing team, she covered a variety of topics as a Brightmine legal editor, including benefits, compensation, workplace flexibility, and the future of work. Natasha holds a Bachelor of Science in communication science and rhetorical studies from the University of Wisconsin \u2013 Madison and a juris doctor from the University of Wisconsin Law School. Prior to joining Brightmine, Natasha was a practicing attorney and HR compliance and training specialist.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/natasha-ka-wiebusch\/\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/author\/natasha-wiebusch\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Strike Act 2023: Minimum service levels overview | Brightmine","description":"The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 creates new compliance requirements for employers. Learn this new law and how to comply.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"Strike Act 2023: Minimum service levels overview | Brightmine","og_description":"The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 creates new compliance requirements for employers. Learn this new law and how to comply.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/","og_site_name":"Brightmine UK","article_modified_time":"2026-04-27T13:02:07+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":627,"url":"https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/23085202\/feature-employees-reviewing-documents-at-desk-1200x627px.webp","type":"image\/webp"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_site":"@WeAreBrightmine","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"32 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":["Article","BlogPosting"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/"},"author":{"name":"Natasha Wiebusch","@id":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/bb5fae3b7bdf45f9a45405515eea895a"},"headline":"Strike Act 2023: Minimum service levels overview","datePublished":"2024-05-22T00:18:00+00:00","dateModified":"2026-04-27T13:02:07+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/"},"wordCount":1741,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/23085202\/feature-employees-reviewing-documents-at-desk-1200x627px.webp","articleSection":["Commentary and Insights"],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/","url":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/","name":"Strike Act 2023: Minimum service levels overview | Brightmine","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/23085202\/feature-employees-reviewing-documents-at-desk-1200x627px.webp","datePublished":"2024-05-22T00:18:00+00:00","dateModified":"2026-04-27T13:02:07+00:00","description":"The Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 creates new compliance requirements for employers. Learn this new law and how to comply.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/23085202\/feature-employees-reviewing-documents-at-desk-1200x627px.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/23085202\/feature-employees-reviewing-documents-at-desk-1200x627px.webp","width":1200,"height":627,"caption":"Employees at work reviewing documents at a desk."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/minimum-service-levels\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"HR compliance","item":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Employment law updates","item":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-compliance\/employment-law-updates\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Strike Act 2023: Minimum service levels overview"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/","name":"Brightmine UK","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/#organization","name":"Brightmine","url":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/07092215\/Brightmine-logo_Full-color_Primary.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/cdn.brightmine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/10\/07092215\/Brightmine-logo_Full-color_Primary.webp","width":1941,"height":508,"caption":"Brightmine"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/x.com\/WeAreBrightmine","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/brightmine\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@WeAreBrightmine"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/bb5fae3b7bdf45f9a45405515eea895a","name":"Natasha Wiebusch","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4496670e60e24d3812a9cd8e0bcd5fb86ea55e6ebfa3552a03de4b477976e2dd?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/4496670e60e24d3812a9cd8e0bcd5fb86ea55e6ebfa3552a03de4b477976e2dd?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Natasha Wiebusch"},"description":"Natasha K. A. Wiebusch is the marketing content manager at Brightmine. Before transitioning to the marketing team, she covered a variety of topics as a Brightmine legal editor, including benefits, compensation, workplace flexibility, and the future of work. Natasha holds a Bachelor of Science in communication science and rhetorical studies from the University of Wisconsin \u2013 Madison and a juris doctor from the University of Wisconsin Law School. Prior to joining Brightmine, Natasha was a practicing attorney and HR compliance and training specialist.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/natasha-ka-wiebusch\/"],"url":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/author\/natasha-wiebusch\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resources\/9126","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resources"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/resources"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9126"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resources\/9126\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11365"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9126"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9126"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9126"},{"taxonomy":"topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/topic?post=9126"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}