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Why U.S. Companies Need to be Prepared for UK Employment Law

Expanding into the UK: A Strategic Opportunity

As global markets continue to evolve, more U.S. businesses are looking to expand operations overseas; and the United Kingdom remains one of the most attractive destinations.

With a shared language, a highly skilled workforce and a strategic location deemed a gateway to Europe, the UK is an ideal launchpad for American companies seeking international growth. However, while the business environment may appear generally familiar, the legal and regulatory framework in the UK, particularly around employment law, can differ significantly from the U.S. system. For this reason, it is essential for any U.S. businesses entering the UK market to seek early guidance from experienced UK employment lawyers.

Key Differences in Employment Law

UK employment law places a strong emphasis on employee rights and protections. For instance, here in the UK, workers benefit from statutory entitlements including paid annual leave, statutory notice periods, redundancy pay, and protection against unfair dismissal. Many of these apply from day one of employment. Unlike the U.S. ‘at-will’ employment model, UK law places a key emphasis on employers following specific legal procedures when handling disciplinary action, grievances, redundancies, and dismissals. Therefore, failing to follow the various statutory processes can lead to legal claims, regardless of whether employers have just cause to discipline or terminate an employee’s employment.

Legal Reach Beyond Borders

Additionally, the reach of UK employment law can extend beyond borders. For example, sexual harassment protections apply even if the parties involved are located in different countries. A UK-based employee subjected to inappropriate behaviour from a colleague overseas could bring a claim under UK law. Employers can be held vicariously liable unless they have taken all reasonable steps to prevent such conduct, including providing training and enforcing clear policies.

Laying the Groundwork for Compliance

Early preparation is essential when establishing a UK presence. From the outset, U.S. businesses should ensure employment contracts (required from day one of employment), HR policies, and internal procedures complaint with UK law are in place. This proactive approach not only reduces legal risk but also sets the tone for a healthy workplace culture.

The Importance of Due Diligence in Acquisitions

Moreover, when entering the UK market through the acquisition of an existing business, it is critical to conduct a full employment law audit. Without proper due diligence, U.S. companies risk inheriting non-compliant practices, unresolved disputes, or hidden liabilities that could result in costly claims or operational disruption.

Legal Guidance: A Strategic Advantage

Involving UK employment lawyers at an early stage helps ensure a smooth, compliant entry into the UK market (whether this is through organic growth or acquisition) while protecting both the business and its workforce.

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Demystifying Trusts: Answers to Google’s Top Questions with Ben Rosen

In the video, private wealth & tax partner Ben Rosen tackles the most-searched public queries around one of the most frequently misunderstood vehicles in wealth planning–trusts. Following the response to our video on Diary of a CEO‘s tax debate, it became clear from the online commentary that people are unfamiliar with how they operate, particularly regarding taxation, asset protection, and on the death of a family member. Ben steps in to clarify.

Why are trusts used?

One of the most common misconceptions is that trusts exist primarily to avoid tax. In the UK, this simply isn’t the case. While tax considerations may come into play, trusts are fundamentally tools for succession planning, helping individuals preserve and manage wealth across generations.

Ben illustrates this with a relatable scenario: Imagine a successful business owner with two children, one actively involved in the business, the other not. The family may have concerns about inheritance being affected by potential issues like divorce, bankruptcy, or addiction. A trust can provide a balanced, protective structure, allowing the parent to support both children while safeguarding the longevity and values of the family business.

Why are trusts seen as complicated?

This often depends on who you ask. At their core, they are not complex. They are not standalone entities, but rather legal relationships between:

• The trustees, who look after the trust assets in accordance with the trust deed; and
• The beneficiaries, who can benefit from those assets.

The trust deed is a legal document outlining the powers and responsibilities of the trustees. Often accompanying this is a letter of wishes, a non-binding document that guides trustees on how to exercise their discretion in line with the settlor’s values and intentions.

The complexity often arises from legal terminology, not the concept itself. As Ben points out, understanding the “code” behind the legalese can make things clearer, something lawyers are trained to do for their clients.

Why are trusts so expensive?

Trusts exist on a spectrum. Some, like bare trusts, are straightforward and inexpensive. These might simply hold assets until a child reaches 18. Others, especially those involving complex family dynamics, business interests, or long-term planning, require tailored legal and tax advice, which can increase costs. The level of complexity, and therefore expense, should reflect the needs and goals of the person setting up the trust.

Why are trusts allowed?

Trusts are not shadowy loopholes; they are lawful, regulated structures. In the UK, most trusts must be registered with HMRC’s Trust Registration Service (TRS). This ensures transparency and compliance with financial and anti-money laundering regulations. Trusts are allowed within strict legal boundaries, and their existence supports legitimate planning needs, particularly where families are navigating intergenerational wealth or complex personal circumstances.

Final Thoughts

As Ben make clear, the purpose of trusts is not to game the tax system, but to provide flexible, legally recognised ways to protect assets, plan for the future and honour family wishes. When designed and administered properly, trusts are not about secrecy, they’re about clarity, control, and care. 

Watch the full video to hear Ben’s answers in depth and understand why, far from being loopholes for the wealthy, trusts are vital tools for anyone navigating life’s complexities with foresight.

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Quastels Acts for Gerald Edelman on Their Acquisition of Vista Partners

Quastels LLP is delighted to have acted for Gerald Edelman on their acquisition of Vista Partners.

Founded in 1946, Gerald Edelman is a London-based accountancy and business advisory firm with over 20 partners, serving middle-market companies across the UK and internationally. The firm offers a comprehensive range of professional services, including accountancy, auditing, tax planning, corporate finance and strategic business advice. Vista Partners is a long-established accountancy and tax advisory firm based in Redhill. The firm provides a full range of services including accounting, audit, tax compliance, business advisory, and personal tax planning, primarily supporting owner-managed businesses and SMEs across Surrey, Sussex, and the South East.

Quastels LLP, led by corporate partner Adam Convisser, oversaw legal due diligence, transaction structuring and execution. Adam was supported by colleagues in the corporate, commercial real estate and employment teams showcasing our strong cross-departmental collaboration.

“We are thrilled to have completed the acquisition of Vista Partners. It was a pleasure to work with Adam and the Quastels team. Their advice was invaluable and they put in the extra hours to ensure we got the deal over the line, for which we are very grateful. We look forward to working with the team again in the future on other projects.”

– Nick Wallis

Congratulations to Gerald Edelman and the whole team at Vista Partners, we look forward to seeing your continued success.

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