Headnotes \\ A legal information podcast from Whitehead Monckton

Surrogacy is a beautiful way to build a family, but from a legal standpoint in the UK, it can feel a little like navigating a maze built in the 1980s. In this episode of Headnotes, Whitehead Monckton’s family law experts explore why current surrogacy legislation is often described as "not fit for purpose" and discuss how to ensure intended parents are best supported through their surrogacy journey.  We are joined by Hayley King, a donor-conceived adult and advocate, and Lara Izzard-Hobbs, a specialist family law barrister, to discuss the emotional and legal realities for intended parents and surrogates. Whether you are considering surrogacy in the UK or looking at international pathways, this episode breaks down the essential jargon and highlights the reforms needed to protect children and parents alike.

What you can expect to hear in this episode:

• The "Altruistic" Model: Why the UK bans commercial surrogacy and what "reasonable expenses" actually means in the eyes of the court.
• Parental Orders & Legal Parentage: A breakdown of why the person who gives birth is legally the mother at birth, and the process intended parents must go through to claim legal status.
• The International Gap: The risks and complexities of seeking surrogacy abroad, including issues with donor anonymity and immigration.
• The 2023 Law Commission Proposals: Insight into the four key recommendations for reform, including the "new pathway" that would recognize intended parents from birth.
• The Human Element: Haley King shares her unique perspective as a donor-conceived person on why transparency and early communication about a child’s origins are vital for long-term wellbeing.

Paths to Parent-Hub: https://pathstoparenthub.com/

Donor Conception Network: https://dcnetwork.org/

Surrogacy UK: https://surrogacyuk.org/

My Surrogacy Journey: https://mysurrogacyjourney.com/

Law Commission Surrogacy Reform Report: https://lawcom.gov.uk/project/surrogacy/

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Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Timelines and regulations are subject to change.

In this inaugural episode of Headnotes, we dive deep into the Employment Rights Act. This legislation is set to transform the landscape for businesses and employees alike, introducing major changes that range from "Day 1" rights to new enforcement agencies.

Whether you run a small family business, manage a large HR department, or are simply trying to understand your new rights at work, this episode breaks down the complex legal jargon into clear, actionable information. Join Antonio Fletcher, Head of Employment, and Solicitor Eloise Jones as they map out the timeline of changes from 2025 through to 2027 and explain what you need to do to stay compliant and protected.

In this episode, we are covering:

• The Timeline of Change: Understanding the phased introduction of new laws between December 2025 and 2027.
• Unfair Dismissal & Probation: The shift from a two-year qualifying period to "Day 1" rights and the likely reduction of probationary periods to six months.
• Tribunal Changes: The removal of the compensation cap for unfair dismissal and the extension of the time limit to bring claims from 3 to 6 months.
• Zero-Hours Contracts: New rights to guaranteed hours and the end of "Fire and Rehire" practices.
• Sexual Harassment: The new duty for employers to take "all reasonable steps" to prevent harassment, including third-party harassment.
• Family-Friendly Rights: Immediate changes to Paternity Leave, unpaid Parental Leave, and new protections for pregnant women and new mothers (including a ban on dismissal for 6 months post-return).
• Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): Removal of the waiting days and the lower earnings limit—sick pay from Day 1 for everyone.
• The Fair Work Agency: A new body for proactive enforcement of workers' rights.
• Mandatory Action Plans: New requirements for large employers regarding the Gender Pay Gap and Menopause support.

Get in Touch: If you have concerns about how these changes affect your business or your rights, our Employment team is here to help.

• Antonio Fletcher  | LinkedIn | Website
• Eloise Jones  | LinkedIn | Website 

Speak to one of our friendly lawyers at Whitehead Monckton

> Visit Website  > Contact Us

Find us on Social Media

> LinkedIn  > Facebook
> Instagram  > YouTube

Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Timelines and regulations are subject to change.