It rarely comes out of nowhere. An employee hands in their notice, and the reaction is usually: “Didn’t see that coming.” But the truth is… In most cases, the signs were there. They’re just easy to miss when you’re busy running a business, managing people, and trying...
Artificial intelligence is everywhere right now. From writing emails to analysing data, it’s quickly becoming part of how businesses operate day to day. And HR is no exception. For many small business owners, AI can seem like a no-brainer. If it can save time, reduce...
When people hear “HR support”, they often picture policies, handbooks and formal processes that only apply once a business reaches a certain size. In reality, HR support usually starts much earlier than that - and it often looks very different to what people expect....
Many employers only think about getting HR advice once a problem has already escalated. By that point, decisions may have been made, conversations mishandled, or processes missed, all of which can increase legal risk and cost. In reality, the right time to get HR...
Managing employees with cancer is an area where employers must demonstrate both compassion and legal awareness. A cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on an employee’s life, and as an employer, your support can make a crucial difference in their wellbeing and...
Mental health in the workplace is no longer something organisations can afford to overlook. In the UK, 28% of sick days are linked to mental health-related issues, and 61% of employees who left or plan to leave their job in the next 12 months cite poor mental health...
One of the most important questions we ask when advising on employee performance or conduct issues is whether the employee has any underlying health conditions that might be affecting their behaviour. Discrimination Arising from a Disability Employees are protected...
Should Employers Offer the Right to Appeal After a Probation Fail?This is a common question that often arises with clients.According to the ACAS Code of Practice, when a dismissal is related to conduct or performance, employees should be given the right to appeal (as...
'Tis the Season TUPE Jolly 🎅 When employers consider outsourcing a business function—such as marketing—or bringing a service back in-house—like cleaning—one key area that is sometimes overlooked is whether these actions could trigger a TUPE situation.The Transfer of...
We're often asked by clients about the risk of an employee making a claim for constructive dismissal, and there seems to be some misunderstanding among managers and business leaders regarding what could give rise to such a claim. Firstly, for an employee to make a...
According to recent legal analysis, there has been a threefold increase in employment tribunals reviewing WhatsApp messages as evidence.Where the use of WhatsApp is endorsed or encouraged by employers as a means of business communication, the general rule is that the...
Did you know the so-called two-year rule for unfair dismissal claims is actually a one year and 51 weeks rule? (Not quite as catchy, is it?)Currently (although changes are on the horizon with the new Labour government), employees with less than two years of service...
If you have people working for you, you may call them your “staff” or your “workforce” but do you really know what you have got and what your legal obligations are? Those two terms have no meaning in law and neither do the commonly used terms of “temp”, “freelancer”,...
Picture this, you’re a Restaurant Manager setting up for a busy Saturday night, when suddenly you get a text saying that your star chef is sick, and it’s by no means the first time! Yet again you are left with one trainee chef on duty. Your customers arrive and end up...
At some time all managers will be faced with a poor performing team member. However, when faced with underperformance, how many ignore it, either hoping it will go away, or are frightened to deal with it for fear of breaching the minefield of employment legislation?...
Are you ready to take on your first employee ? If your business is growing, there will come a time when you contemplate employing your first member of staff. This is an exciting prospect but comes with much responsibility and a certain degree of risk. This article...