In this month’s Hot Topic, we focus on the legal and HR issues that arise during the festive season and how employers can confidently navigate them. With annual celebrations approaching, we explore the key risks linked to workplace social events, misconduct, discrimination, leave management and wellbeing. We also look at the steps employers should take to protect staff and reduce the likelihood of legal claims during this busy and often high-risk period.

Congratulations to Biscuiteers, CBA member of the month for October.

University College Birmingham (UCB) offers optional 48-week placements for students in its Bakery and Patisserie Technology FdSc/BSc degree programs. These placements offer students valuable real-world experience and provide employers with skilled, passionate, and creative talent.

As the festive season approaches, we are delighted to join Bira’s Love Your High Street campaign, taking place from 10 to 16 November. This special week shines a light on the independent businesses that bring character, creativity and community to our towns.

Last week, a team from the Craft Bakers Association were delighted to visit ADM Milling UK at their Corby site for a special industry showcase.

CBA members and bakery professionals recently joined Rademaker at the Radini Experience Centre in the Netherlands for an exclusive event exploring the future of bakery automation. The day offered hands-on demonstrations, expert insights, and a closer look at the versatility of the compact Radini system.

In this month’s Hot Topic, we explore the different types of dismissal that include constructive, wrongful dismissal, automatic unfair and unfair dismissal and consider how the proposed new day 1 right to claim unfair dismissal will impact avenues of claim. We will also consider other avenues for how someone can raise a claim.

National Baking Week is here, shining a spotlight on the craft and creativity that make our industry so special. From expert advice to practical support, discover how your CBA membership helps your bakery thrive all year round.

AB Mauri, a leader in bakery ingredients and innovation, and Nutris, a leader in fava-based protein and starch production, have announced a strategic technical and supply collaborative agreement to develop next-generation ingredient solutions for the UK and Ireland.

In this month’s Hot Topic, we delve into the four primary areas of discrimination: direct discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment, and victimisation.

As we explore these concepts and their legal implications, we consider the practical strategies to mitigate tribunal risk and improving equality, diversity and inclusion in your workplace.

National Doughnut Week 2025 once again proved the power of the UK’s bakery industry to support this important cause by raising an impressive £40,000 for The Children’s Trust, the UK’s leading charity for children with brain injury.

Congratulations to Warings Bakery, CBA member of the month for September.

Congratulations to Fresh Eric’s, CBA member of the month for August.

ADM are opening their doors to a small group of junior and apprentice bakers for a unique opportunity to gain hands-on insight into flour production and baking innovation with ADM’s technical team.

The landscape of employment law is poised for a significant transformation with the introduction of the Employment Rights Act 2025.

Congratulations to Seven Seeded, CBA member of the month for July.

Craigmillar has introduced a new and improved Merjel range, now with a cleaner label, natural flavour and colours, and available in a more convenient 8kg format with easier to handle pail for improved kitchen efficiency.

The Employment Rights Bill (ERB) is set to bring further developments in family friendly leave, including managing flexible working requests.

The UK employment landscape is undergoing significant changes particularly in respect of zero-hour contracts and flexible working.