The UK Market: A legal guide for business entry & growth
Employment and pensions
Employees’ statutory rights
UK employees benefit from extensive legal protections. These include rights to family-friendly leave, a statutory minimum notice period (based on length of service), at least 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday annually and protection from unlawful discrimination and harassment. Employees also have the right not to be ‘unfairly’ dismissed if they have at least 2 years of service (or 1 year in Northern Ireland).
It's essential for businesses to seek advice on these rights and to make sure that managers supervising UK staff from other countries are aware of them. Employers are strongly encouraged to have a suite of non-contractual employment policies and procedures in place to cover statutory rights and workplace guidelines.
Plan ahead for secondments
Seconding employees to the UK requires careful planning. You should seek advice on putting in place compliant contractual documentation as staff may gain UK statutory rights while maintaining rights from their home country. Tax, social security and immigration arrangements will also need to be prepared before the secondment begins.
Change is coming
Employment rights in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) are under review by the UK Government. Significant changes are anticipated over the next few years. If you employ people in the UK, keep an eye on developments: get up to speed by reading our Employment Law Reform page; and sign up for our TLT employment updates to stay ahead of the game.to stay ahead of the game.
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A legal guide for business entry & growth
The UK market guide
This guide provides an overview of the relevant legal considerations when setting up in the UK and explains how our expert team supports you throughout each stage of your expansion journey.
Structure & tax
Explore the best legal and tax structures for entering the UK market. Learn how to minimise risk, ensure compliance and choose the right setup - through subsidiaries, branches or joint ventures.
Commercial contracts
Understand how English contract law supports flexible, enforceable agreements. Discover key principles, common pitfalls and how we draft commercial contracts that protect your interests.
Regulatory Compliance
Understand the UK’s regulatory landscape and how it affects your business. This section covers key areas - helping you manage risk, meet legal obligations and operate confidently across sectors.
Banking & Finance
Navigate the UK’s dynamic finance landscape with expert guidance. Learn how to structure deals, access funding and leverage ESG-linked instruments to support long-term investment strategies.
Leasing Real Estate
Practical insights into UK leasing laws across jurisdictions. Understand registration, energy standards and tenant protections to make informed decisions when leasing in commercial property.
Employment & Pensions
Ensure compliance with UK employment law. Learn how to structure contracts, manage statutory rights while staying ahead of upcoming legal reforms and pension obligations.
Business Immigration
Explore UK immigration routes for business expansion. Understand visa options, sponsorship requirements and compliance risks to ensure smooth relocation and legal planning for personnel.
Data Protection
Stay compliant with UK GDPR and the new Data Use and Access Act. Learn how to manage personal data, lawful bases, international transfers and individual rights with confidence and clarity.
Intellectual Property
Protect and monetise your innovations with UK IP law. Explore patents, trade marks, copyright and design rights - learn how to enforce, license and leverage IP for commercial advantage.
Franchise Laws
Understand the legal framework for franchising in the UK. Learn how to structure agreements, manage IP, comply with competition law and support franchisees while protecting your brand and business.
International Trade
Navigate the UK’s post-Brexit trade landscape. Discover how to manage tariffs, export controls, and trade remedies to protect your supply chain and maximise global opportunities.