Can you dismiss an employee for being drunk at work? | UK

A meeting between four people at a table discussing if you can dismiss an employee for being drunk at work

Can you dismiss an employee for being drunk at work in the UK? Explore key employment law insights, including misconduct vs gross misconduct, ACAS fair procedure steps, Equality Act considerations, health and safety duties, and alternatives like EAP support. Practical HR guidance for business owners and managers, plus a real-world hypothetical scenario and how Emberscale’s outsourced services help.

Can you dismiss an employee for being drunk at work?

A meeting between four people at a table discussing if you can dismiss an employee for being drunk at work

Wondering if you can dismiss an employee for being drunk at work? This in-depth post explores U.S. employment laws, including at-will rules, ADA considerations for alcoholism, company policy essentials, and safer alternatives like EAP referrals. Learn state variations, real-world steps, and how Emberscale’s HR outsourcing helps businesses handle these challenges compliantly and effectively—plus a hypothetical scenario for practical insights.

Employment Law Changes 2026 UK Insights

Three HR consultants at a desk talking about the Employment Law Changes 2026 UK businesses will face

Stay ahead of the phased employment law reforms from the Employment Rights Act 2025, with most changes landing in 2026. This practical guide covers key 2026 updates – including day-one paternity and parental leave, statutory sick pay from the first day, stronger sexual harassment prevention duties, restrictions on fire and rehire, and extended tribunal time limits – plus upcoming 2027 reforms like a reduced unfair dismissal qualifying period, and shows how businesses can prepare effectively.

Where to Find UK-Based HR Consulting Firms Specialising in Compliance?

two business owners discussing at a desk where to find uk based hr consulting firms specialising in compliance

Navigate the April 2026 employment law overhaul with confidence. This definitive guide reveals where to find specialist UK HR consulting firms, explains the key changes from the Employment Rights Act 2025 – including the Fair Work Agency, day-one rights, and the new six-month unfair dismissal threshold – and shows why Emberscale’s full-service outsourcing is the smartest, most cost-effective way for businesses to become fully compliant and audit-ready.

Are Companies Required to Have an Employee Handbook?

two business men looking at a laptop deciding on the best hr company to partner with to make an employee handbook

Many UK employers wonder: are companies required to have an employee handbook? The legal answer is no, but the practical answer is a strong yes. This comprehensive guide explains the current law, upcoming 2026 changes, real-world risks of going without one, and why a clear handbook protects your business and supports your team. Includes practical examples and expert recommendations.

How to Calculate Employee Retention Rate

a business owner thinking on how to calculate employee retention rate at his desk

Learning how to calculate employee retention rate helps businesses measure workforce stability, reduce turnover costs, and make smarter people decisions. This guide explains the correct retention formula, provides real examples, highlights common mistakes, and explores benchmarks and strategies to improve retention in US organizations.

How to Manage Employees in a Small Business

Manager explaining work on a laptop to a colleague in a modern office setting, demonstrating practical ways to manage employees in a small business

Learn how to manage employees in a small business effectively with this comprehensive UK-focused guide. From legal essentials and fair recruitment to tackling unconscious bias, handling performance concerns, and boosting retention, discover proven strategies to build a motivated, compliant team—plus how expert outsourcing can lighten the load.

How to Dismiss an Employee for Poor Performance UK

two men a manager in a formal meeting at a table with an employee implementing his training on how to dismiss an employee for poor performance

Dismissing an employee for poor performance in the UK requires a fair and documented process to avoid costly tribunal claims. This comprehensive guide explains the legal steps—from early intervention and Performance Improvement Plans to formal warnings and dismissal—while highlighting common pitfalls and best practices under UK employment law.

Examples of Gross Misconduct

a man on a call to emberscale asking what are examples of gross misconduct at work

Introduction In the workplace, maintaining a professional environment is essential for productivity and morale. However, certain behaviours cross the line into serious territory. These are known as examples of gross misconduct. Understanding examples of gross misconduct at work can help employers and employees alike navigate tricky situations. At Emberscale, we specialise in outsourcing business solutions […]

How to Conduct a Welfare Meeting

Two professional women shaking hands across a conference table in a modern office, demonstrating how to conduct a welfare meeting with empathy and collaboration, with charts on a whiteboard and documents nearby.

Discover a comprehensive guide on how to conduct a welfare meeting effectively, from preparation and agenda crafting to empathetic techniques like “feel, felt, found.”

Explore hypothetical scenarios addressing personal challenges, missed targets, and mood changes, with actionable questions that drive real benefits.