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Words like strategy, strategic thinking, and strategic leadership are often thrown around in boardrooms and management meetings. They sound impressive—evoking visions of forward-thinking, proactive leadership—but far too often, they lack substance when it comes to practical application. Now, more than ever, it’s time to bridge the gap between buzzword and behaviour. With the new Employment Law Bill making its way through Parliament, businesses across the UK are approaching a tipping point—especially in relation to the anticipated restrictions on fire and…
Headlines were recently buzzing—not about match points or Grand Slam glory, but about an awkward moment courtside at the Rouen Open in France. During a changeover in the second set, a professional tennis player was overheard asking the umpire to request that her opponent put on deodorant, stating she “smells really bad.” The comment sparked a media storm, social media debates, and more than a few uncomfortable laughs over breakfast. The professional tennis player has since apologised for the remark,…
Introduction With the growing use of online platforms and flexible learning, many employers are offering workplace training that can be completed remotely or outside of normal hours. But what happens when that training is mandatory? Should employees be paid for time spent learning in their own time? This month, we spoke with Paula, our expert HR consultant to clarify the legal position, explore best practice, and help employers stay on the right side of the law. We recently received a…
Internal investigations are becoming increasingly common in the workplace, particularly as employee awareness and regulatory expectations continue to grow. In this edition of Ask the Expert, we look at what employers need to know when conducting workplace investigations—from first steps to final outcomes—and how to approach this sensitive process with professionalism, fairness, and care. Angela sat down with Ella and this is what she had to say: Internal investigations seem to be on the rise. What’s driving this increase? Ella:…
For many business owners, having a retained HR service can feel like insuring your house. It might seem like an ongoing expense that you rarely use, leading you to question whether it’s truly necessary. But much like home insurance, the real value becomes clear when a crisis arises. When you need expert HR support, the cost of not having it far outweighs the subscription fee. The Value of Retained HR Support Running a business comes with a host of people…
As employers, we’d all like to believe our teams are full of honest, well-intentioned people — and for the most part, they are. But every so often, something doesn’t quite add up. A complaint that feels off. A CV that seems a bit too polished. A staff member caught in a cover-up. And when that happens, it can shake your confidence, your culture, and your sense of who to trust. Dishonesty in the workplace comes in many forms — some…
As you may be aware, if your holiday year starts on 1st April, there have only been 7 bank holidays between 1st April 2024 and 31st March 2025, as Good Friday fell on 29th March 2024, and Easter Monday fell on 1 April. This reduction in bank holidays could affect your employees’ holiday entitlements, particularly where workers are entitled to the statutory minimum under the Working Time Regulations which is 28 days per annum including bank holidays. Before the end of…
There is an important update to family-friendly workplace policies that will take effect from 6 April 2025. The government is introducing a new statutory entitlement for Neonatal Care Leave, which aims to provide vital support to employees whose babies require neonatal care. This new leave benefit will offer parents up to 12 weeks of paid leave in addition to their existing maternity, paternity, adoption, or shared parental leave. What Does This Mean for Our Clients? As your trusted HR partner,…
The shift to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic has had a lasting impact on workplace dynamics. While some companies have embraced hybrid or remote-first models, others are now mandating a full return to the office. This has sparked debates among employers and employees alike, raising questions about the legality of such requirements, the risks involved, and the potential impact on workplace culture and productivity. Over the past few weeks we have seen an increase in enquiries coming into our…
As April approaches, businesses must prepare for the annual increase in the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW). This change is a legal requirement, and failing to comply can result in severe penalties, reputational damage, and financial loss. Ensuring that all employees are paid correctly is not just a matter of compliance but also one of maintaining employee trust and engagement. New Minimum Wage Rates from April 2025 As part of the Government’s latest policy changes, the…
Starting 6 April 2025, employers will need to prepare for a major shift in family-friendly workplace policies. The introduction of Neonatal Care Leave offers an additional statutory entitlement for parents whose babies require neonatal care. This development is a vital step to support families during challenging times, but it comes with significant responsibilities for employers. This guide will help you understand the key details of Neonatal Care Leave and Pay, its implications for employers, and how to prepare your business…
As a business owner, keeping up with changes in employment law can feel like a never-ending task. With the upcoming increases in the National Minimum Wage and changes to National Insurance, small businesses need to be prepared. To help break this down, I sat down with Shirley, our expert payroll administrator to discuss what these changes mean and what businesses should do now to stay ahead. This is what Shirley had to say: The government recently announced changes to the…
Apprenticeships can offer small businesses an exciting opportunity to invest in new talent, address skill shortages, and increase productivity. However, understanding the mechanics of apprenticeships—from the apprenticeship levy to legal requirements—can feel daunting. This guide aims to demystify the process and equip small business owners with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about integrating apprenticeships into their workforce strategy. What Are Apprenticeships? Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes that combine on-the-job learning with classroom instruction, enabling individuals to gain practical…
When businesses face the challenge of collective redundancy, the path forward can often seem daunting. Balancing legal compliance with effective communication and empathy for affected employees is no easy task—especially for organisations that may lack the necessary resources or experience in such matters. Fortunately, our HR consultancy specialises in guiding organisations through these complex processes, stepping in as a supportive and reliable partner to ensure a fair, efficient, and legally compliant consultation. Understanding Collective Redundancy Collective redundancy occurs when an…
The start of a new year is a perfect opportunity for business owners to re-energise their teams. Set clear goals, and create a workplace culture that drives engagement and productivity. As we step into 2025, for many businesses it is the start of their new financial year, a great opportunity to push the re-set button to boost employee engagement. As well as aligning your workforce with your company’s mission and values. Before setting goals for the year, it is important…
Compliance with employment laws and regulations is a critical aspect of running a business. The stakes are high: non-compliance can result in significant financial penalties, damage to reputation, and a demoralised workforce. As we step into 2025, staying ahead of regulatory changes and adopting proactive compliance strategies is more important than ever. Non-compliance isn’t just about fines and legal costs—it can have a ripple effect on your business. Beyond financial penalties, businesses may face reputational damage, which can harm customer…
This month in our Ask The Expert feature, we’re delighted to be joined by Julie, one of our experienced HR advisors, to discuss best practices for improving communication with employees. As workplace dynamics evolve, creating open and effective communication has never been more critical for maintaining a productive and engaged workforce. Julie offers invaluable insights for employers aiming to build trust and engagement with their teams The Importance of Openness and Transparency Julie emphasises that being open and honest with…
This month, we speak with Paula, our expert HR consultant, as we explore the important topic of how to support employee mental health and well-being during the festive season. Christmas, often celebrated as a time of joy and togetherness, can be challenging for some employees. Stress, loneliness, and financial pressures may heighten during this time, impacting mental health and overall wellbeing. As business owners, it’s essential to create a supportive environment that addresses these challenges and ensures your employees feel…