UK Employment Law - Critical Update for Fashion Brands
From January 2027, your team members can claim unfair dismissal after just 6 months.
The rules are changing. The financial exposure is uncapped. Most fashion brands are completely unprepared. Are you?
See the workshop optionsKey date: 1 July 2026 - employees hired on or before this date could qualify for unfair dismissal rights from 1 January 2027. That deadline has passed. Act now.
What is actually changing - and why it matters to your brand
From 1 January 2027, three things shift at once. If you have employees - or people who might legally be employees - this affects you directly.
Qualifying period drops
The qualifying period for unfair dismissal drops from 2 years to just 6 months. Employees you hired recently are now protected much sooner than you may realise.
Compensation caps removed
Currently capped at £123,543. From January 2027, compensation becomes uncapped. One claim could be catastrophic for a growing brand.
6 million people affected
Fashion brands - hiring fast, informally, without HR infrastructure - are among the most exposed businesses in the UK.
Two formats - one clear outcome
Choose the workshop that fits your situation
Both workshops are delivered by Thierry Bayle of Global Fashion Management in partnership with a specialist HR expert. You leave with a clear action plan - not a folder of legal jargon.
Private session
The 1-2-1 workshop
A private 4-hour half-day session built entirely around your business. You bring your real documents. We give you a real diagnosis.
£597
One-off investment. On-site or virtual.
Book the 1-2-1 workshopWhat is included
- 4-hour private workshop
- Pre-session diagnostic questionnaire
- HR risk audit - traffic light review
- Personalised action plan document
- 30-day follow-up email support
- GFM HR toolkit resources
A collective group workshop is also available. Contact tb@globalfashionmanagement.com for group pricing.
What is included
- 4-hour facilitated group workshop
- Pre-workshop diagnostic survey for all
- Shared HR risk framework and traffic light tool
- Group action planning session
- Workshop summary document for all attendees
- Q&A with specialist HR expert
Minimum 6 participants. Maximum 12. A private 1-2-1 is also available.
Group format
The collective workshop
A facilitated half-day for up to 12 fashion brand founders. Ideal for trade associations, fashion incubators, and accelerator programmes.
£197 per person
Minimum 6 participants to book.
Book the collective workshopWhat happens in the workshop
Four hours. No fluff. Every minute is structured to get you from confusion to clarity.
01
The new rules explained
What is changing, when, and why it matters for your business.
02
Your exposure diagnosed
We review your contracts, processes, and team structure using our traffic light diagnostic.
03
Processes you must have
We build or review your disciplinary procedures, onboarding documentation, and probation process.
04
Your action plan
You leave with a prioritised list of the three most urgent changes - with a clear timeline to January 2027.
Why GFM is delivering this workshop
Global Fashion Management has spent 25+ years working inside fashion brands as a trusted operations expert and Interim COO. We see every part of how fashion businesses run - including the parts that create legal risk.
"You care more about my business than I do." - A GFM client
Frequently asked questions
Does this apply to me if I only use freelancers?
I only have two or three people. Is this relevant for me?
What is the difference between the 1-2-1 and the collective workshop?
Can the workshop be delivered virtually?
What do I need to prepare before the workshop?
January 2027 is closer than you think.
The brands that act now will be protected. The brands that wait will be exposed.