Here's our round-up of employment law news for February 2026.
Employment cases linked to neurodivergence almost double in five years
Analysis provided by Irwin Michell indicates that the number of employment cases in UK linked to neurodivergent conditions has almost doubled since 2020.
In 2020, HM Courts & Tribunals Service recorded 265 employment tribunal cases involving neurodivergent conditions. By 2025, the annual total had increased to 517 cases - a rise of around 95% over five years.
Our analysis also highlights a sharp year‑on‑year increase of almost 19% between 2024 and 2025. The figures further show that the most recent six‑month period recorded the highest number of cases underlining the pace at which claims are continuing to rise.
Autism and ADHD are now the most common conditions in tribunal cases, with both reaching record levels in 2025.
Skills boost under new Fast‑Track Apprenticeship reforms
The government has unveiled new “fast‑track” apprenticeship reforms designed to accelerate young people’s entry into high‑quality jobs across the UK’s key growth sectors. The initiative aims to cut approval times for updating apprenticeship standards and create short, targeted courses from 18 months to as little as three, to ensure training keeps pace with rapidly evolving industries.
The changes form part of wider Growth and Skills Levy reforms, backed by 725 million, which are expected to deliver 50,000 additional apprenticeships for young people.
Thousands of UK...
A disinformation campaign which has been linked to pro-Russian actors is imitating reputable media outlets to push fake reports about the Middle East war, as part of a campaign to discredit the W...