Bitesize training coursesManagement & leadershipIntroduction to employment law

Training course:
Introduction to employment law

Managing people brings legal responsibility as well as leadership responsibility. When managers do not understand the basics of employment law, small issues can quickly turn into grievances, disputes or costly claims.

This BiteSize Learning session gives line managers the essential knowledge they need to handle everyday people issues confidently and compliantly. Instead of guessing or delaying difficult conversations, participants learn how to apply the law in practical situations, document correctly, and know when to involve HR.

The focus is on prevention. Managers leave knowing how to spot potential risks early, manage fairly and consistently, and protect both their people and the organisation.


Two hours • In-person or remote • 4-15 participants
4.9 out of 5
★★★★★ from 5 recent reviews

About this bitesize training course

Most employment disputes do not start with malicious intent. They start with uncertainty, poor documentation or inconsistent treatment. Managers who are unsure of the legal framework often avoid difficult conversations or handle them in ways that unintentionally increase risk.

This session gives managers clarity. They learn the key legislation that affects their day to day decisions, how contracts really work, and how to manage issues such as absence, flexibility, performance and discipline in a way that is fair and compliant.

The result is more confident managers, better employee relations and fewer costly escalations.

Perfect for managers and team leads who want to:

  • Understand their legal responsibilities as an employer

  • Handle performance and conduct issues correctly

  • Apply policies fairly and consistently

  • Document changes and conversations properly

  • Know when to involve HR

Key details

  • this training session is two hours long and packed with key knowledge on today’s employment law issues

  • designed for groups of 4 – 15

  • delivered by an expert trainer at your workplace, or virtually

  • interactive, with plenty of exercises that get people talking

  • customisable, to connect with your organisation’s values

“An interactive session from a trainer with extensive experience and great examples.” ★★★★★

Who this course is for

  • First line and middle managers with people responsibility

  • Supervisors handling performance, conduct or absence

  • HR and People teams supporting manager capability

  • Leaders who need a solid foundation in UK employment law

What participants will learn

By the end of this manager training course, participants will:

  1. Comply with key employment legislation

  2. Follow statutory disciplinary and grievance processes

  3. Understand contractual terms and how they apply

  4. Document changes at the right time

  5. Recognise the importance of the psychological contract

  6. Manage working practices equitably

  7. End employment fairly

  8. Know when and how to involve HR

💡This is a practical, interactive session designed to create lightbulb moments that participants can take back to the workplace immediately.

Core topics covered

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Discipline and grievances

Statutory processes and how to follow them correctly.

Key employment legislation

The Equality Act, protected characteristics, working time and family friendly rights.

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Documenting changes

When and how to formally record variations and key conversations.

Contracts of employment

Express and implied terms and how contracts are formed and varied.

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Ending employment

Lawful routes, the importance of documentation and avoiding common risks.

Policies and procedures

Why they matter and how to apply them consistently with discretion.

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Fair treatment at work

Managing working practices equitably across teams.

The psychological contract

How expectations and trust affect employee relations.

Course Delivery

Our management training courses for new managers are designed to be short, powerful, and easy to fit into busy schedules.

  • 2 hours, packed with high-impact learning

  • Delivered in-person anywhere in the world, or virtually for remote teams

  • Best for 4–15 participants to maximise engagement

  • Live, interactive, discussion-based with no long lectures or death by powerpoint

  • All our courses can be tailored to your organisation’s values, culture, and goals

“Maximal learning in a short, but intense, session. This is definitely the way forward for management training, as far as I am concerned.”

Professor Niamh Moran, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland ★★★★★

Provide crucial training in employment law for your line managers.

employment law training illustration

Managing people brings many rewards - but it also brings legal responsibilities. Even a well-intentioned misstep in handling employee relations can expose your organisation to significant risk.

But many of your managers might be making day-to-day decisions about their teams without a clear understanding of employment law basics.

We frequently hear that workplace issues escalate into formal grievances or claims simply because early conversations weren't handled with proper awareness of legal requirements. You might recognise this pattern at your workplace: managers who delay addressing performance concerns because they're unsure of the correct process, or who inadvertently create discrimination risks by managing flexible working requests inconsistently.

Our practical employment law training provides your managers with essential knowledge of UK employment legislation. Rather than attempting to turn them into legal experts, the session focuses on the fundamental principles they need to handle common workplace situations confidently and compliantly. Participants learn about key legislation including the Equality Act, Working Time Regulations, and family-friendly rights that impact their everyday management decisions.

What makes this employment law course particularly valuable is its focus on prevention. Your managers will learn to spot potential issues early, understand when and how to document changes to working arrangements, and recognize exactly when they need to partner with HR for additional support. The session explores both the written employment contract and the crucial psychological contract that underpins strong employee relations.

We've found that many managers become more confident in their role once they understand the legal framework within which they're operating. Instead of avoiding difficult conversations for fear of saying the wrong thing, they learn how to handle disciplinary and grievance processes appropriately, balancing consistency with appropriate discretion.

By investing in employment law training, you're not just managing risk - you're building a foundation for better employee relations. Managers who understand their legal obligations tend to make fairer decisions, document important conversations appropriately, and create more inclusive working environments. This leads to stronger trust with their teams and fewer formal disputes.

Importantly, this course helps managers understand not just what they must do to comply with employment law, but why these protections exist and how they contribute to a more equitable workplace. Armed with this knowledge, they can better support your organization's commitment to fair treatment while protecting against unnecessary legal exposure.

Training made simple, the Bitesize way •

Training made simple, the Bitesize way •

All killer, no filler: our training sessions are carefully packed with high-value insights, and perfect for busy teams.

Live & interactive: real change doesn’t come from half-heartedly skimming through e-learning. We believe in the power of gathering people together, delivering memorable, engaging training experiences with learning that sticks.

Expert-led: all our sessions are designed + delivered by experienced specialists in L&D, HR and leadership coaching.

Provide useful employment law for your managers.

Pair this with

Coaching skills for managers

To turn motivation into ownership and growth

Performance management

To keep goals alive and recognise progress

Inspiring career conversations

To connect motivation with development

Leadership styles

To adapt your approach to different motivators

Outcomes you can expect

Organisations choose this course to help managers:

  • Reduce the risk of grievances and claims

  • Handle difficult situations more confidently

  • Apply policies fairly and consistently

  • Improve documentation and decision making

  • Build stronger and more trusting employee relationships

💡Ask about a connected programme for managers that covers the essentials. We’ll help you shape a high impact sequence that fits their calendar.

Ready to Get Started?

Empower your managers to lead with confidence and deliver results.

Frequently asked questions

  • No. This course provides practical guidance for managers on how to operate within UK employment law and when to seek specialist HR or legal advice.

  • Yes. The session is based on current UK employment legislation and good practice.

  • Absolutely. It is designed specifically for line managers who make day to day people decisions.

  • Yes. We can align examples and scenarios to your organisation’s procedures and values.