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We asked our advisor Julie Spence and here’s what she had to say: “Although the answer may seem simple Employers can often overlook salaried staff and only consider those that are paid hourly”. Over 524 employers were named and shamed by HMRC in March 2024 for underpaying employees—this left over 172,000 workers out of pocket and a sum of £16 million to be paid. There’s a lot to consider, but as a general rule, you need to track every hour your employees…
From 6 April 2024, there is a new statutory right to carer’s leave, as outlined in the Carer’s Leave Act 2023 and further detailed in the Carer’s Leave Regulations 2024. This progressive change signals a new era of support for employees shouldering caring responsibilities, ensuring they receive the leave they need from day one of their employment. What This Means for You and Your Team: Immediate Eligibility: From their first day, employees can avail themselves of carer’s leave, ensuring support…
Whether it’s resistance to teamwork, defiance of company policies, or a general lack of team spirit, addressing uncooperative behaviour is vital for maintaining a positive and productive work environment. In the latest of our Difficult Employee Series, we’ll explore different types of uncooperative behaviour and provide strategies for managing it effectively. “When you don’t respond to bad behaviour, you get more of it.” Understanding Uncooperative Behaviour Uncooperative behaviour can manifest in various ways. But what is uncooperative behaviour? Uncooperative behaviour…
It’s that time again, on April 1st the Government will introduce changes to statutory payment rates. It happens every year, and 2024 is no exception. Across our 40 years in HR, we’ve seen many changes to employment law. So, make yourself a cup of tea, put your feet up, and we’ll walk you through all you need to know. Changes Coming in April Statutory Maternity Pay One of the most significant changes coming in April is statutory maternity pay. Although…
The most recent government guidelines represent a seismic increase in payment rates across the board. But it’s not as simple as doing a blanket increase in payroll. At HR:4UK, we have 40 years of experience dealing with payroll adjustments, and by outsourcing your payroll, you can have the peace of mind of knowing that you are compliant. In November of 2023, the British Government outlined its biggest-ever increase to the National Minimum Wage. The pay boost is worth up to…
National Sickie Day falls on the first Monday of February. It’s an unofficial occasion marked by a notably high number of employees calling in sick. Originally identified by research in 2011, National Sickie Day sees upwards of 375,000 employees call in sick, citing reasons ranging from genuine illness to more dubious excuses. The term has sparked debates about why employees might feel compelled to take unplanned days off, including workplace culture, mental health, and work-life balance concerns. It presents an opportunity for…
National Apprenticeship Week runs from 5th to 11th February across England marking the perfect time for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to explore how apprenticeships can help their business. This week not only marks a celebration of apprenticeship success stories but is also a reminder for businesses to understand and leverage the benefits of apprenticeships. In this article, we’ll explore apprenticeships, their advantages for companies, and the key things SMEs should consider when taking apprentices on. Understanding Apprenticeships Apprenticeships are…
As Valentine’s Day draws near, employers must thoughtfully address the dynamics of workplace romances. Balancing employee privacy with organisational interests is delicate, especially when personal relationships in the office lead to complex situations. Workplaces are social hubs where friendships form, and on occasions for the relationship to evolve into romantic relationships. While many of these don’t disrupt the work environment, they may create challenges for businesses. Embracing the upside of workplace romances Workplace romances are often viewed through a…
In the high-stress environment of the modern workplace, it’s not uncommon for emotions to run high, leading to impulsive decisions. One such critical moment is when an employee resigns abruptly during a contentious or stressful situation. These ‘heat of the moment’ resignations can leave employers in a tricky position, balancing the need for stability and order with understanding and legal compliance. In this quick guide, we delve into the common questions employers face during these tense moments, providing clear, actionable…
Divorce in the workplace can be a tumultuous period for employees, impacting their performance and well-being. As an employer, it’s essential to offer appropriate support and ensure a compassionate, legally compliant work environment. Here are key action points to consider: Acknowledge the Issue: Understand that divorce is a significant life event that can impact an employee’s work. Furthermore be prepared to address it sensitively. Respect Privacy: Always handle discussions about an employee’s divorce with sensitivity. Ensure confidentiality and let the…
The workplace is often a hub of high pressure and intense interactions, where conflicts among staff can escalate quickly. In such a tense atmosphere, how should an employer react when an employee, caught in a contentious exchange with their manager, impulsively resigns, only to withdraw their resignation shortly after? ‘Heat of the moment’ resignations is a hot topic in our Employment Appeal Tribunals, so let’s delve a little deeper to see what lessons can be learned. What is a Heat…
January is often dubbed as the “Divorce Month,” whether this is a myth or reality, we simply don’t know but January usually marks a traditional spike in the number of couples deciding to part ways, with the pressures of the Christmas season being the last straw. Alongside moving home, death of a loved one, divorce is one of the most stressful life events that a person can ever go through. But what does this mean for an employer, I hear…
In the dynamic world of small businesses, the health and well-being of employees are paramount. Engaging with occupational health services early can yield substantial benefits, enhancing employee well-being and productivity, reducing absenteeism, and fostering a positive work environment. Occupational health services traditionally focus on assisting employees in returning to work after long-term sickness absence or injury. However, it’s increasingly recognised that occupational health can play a crucial role in supporting employees who, despite health challenges, wish to remain at work.…
The modern workplace is fraught with complexities. It’s an ecosystem where individuals with different backgrounds, talents, and challenges come together to achieve common goals. However, amidst this diversity, certain challenges can arise, such as the presence of problem employees who are struggling with substance abuse issues. Alcohol and drug abuse not only have detrimental effects on individual wellbeing but also significantly impact colleagues and overall performance. In this country, a strong emphasis is placed on both mental health and employment…
How do you celebrate Christmas at work when your employees are from diverse backgrounds? Well, the key to making this time of year enjoyable for everyone – and to avoiding any discrimination issues – is to make sure that your celebrations are inclusive. Some of your staff may practise faiths which don’t observe Christmas, while others might be atheist or agnostic. That said, these employees might still enjoy the festive season’s more secular aspects and be keen to join in.…
With the Great British Bake Off inspiring another batch of amateur bakers, it’s likely that some of your staff are bringing in their own delicious bakes to share with colleagues. It’s nice to tuck into scrummy homemade cake at your desk or in your office kitchen, but before you do, you might want to check first that nobody on your team is allergic to any of the ingredients. Food allergies are becoming increasingly prevalent, with around two million people in…