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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…
As the year draws to a close, it becomes more than just a time to wrap up tasks. It is an opportunity to reflect on achievements, learn from challenges, and prepare for a successful future. Taking a structured approach to year-end reviews and goal-setting can create momentum, boost morale, and align your team for the year ahead. Here’s how to make the most of this critical period. Celebrating successes—big and small—sets the tone for the end of the year. Highlighting…
The festive season is a special highlight in the workplace calendar—a time to celebrate successes, and show appreciation to your team. A well-planned celebration can leave lasting memories, enhance morale, and strengthen your organisation’s culture. However, hosting an event that is both safe and inclusive requires thoughtful planning. A successful celebration begins with inclusivity. Acknowledging and respecting the diverse cultural and religious backgrounds of your team ensures everyone feels welcome. Opting for themes like “Winter Wonderland” or “Season of Gratitude”…
The Chancellor’s recent budget announcement has introduced a suite of changes that will notably impact the financial landscape for small businesses in the coming year. Central to this update are increases in both National Insurance contributions and the National Minimum Wage, which employers across sectors will need to account for when planning their financial strategy and workforce management in 2025. National Insurance Contributions: Managing Increased Costs One of the primary changes that will affect small businesses is the increase in…
This month, we continue our conversation with Nita, our expert HR consultant, as we explore the sensitive topic of bereavement in the workplace. Whilst it is not a topic that often arises, more recently we have seen an increase in calls from employers who want to support grieving employees but are unsure of the best approach. Whether it is a loss of a child, parent or someone near and dear such as husband or wife, a common question we hear…
This month, we continue our conversation with Julie, our expert HR consultant. We dig a little deeper into managing employees on long-term sick leave who may not be engaging with their employer. Our team often receives enquiries from employers struggling with unresponsive employees on sickness absence. The typical question we hear is, “My employee has been off sick, hasn’t provided a Fit Note, and won’t respond to any calls or emails. What should I do?” In this edition of…
As World Mental Health Day 2024 approaches (10th October 2024) this year’s theme, “It’s Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace”, carries a particularly important message for small and medium-sized business. In today’s fast-paced business environment, workplace mental health and wellbeing are no longer just a “nice-to-have” but a strategic imperative that can directly impact productivity, employee engagement, and overall business success. The conversation around mental health in the workplace is evolving rapidly. In the UK alone, mental health…