Hiring your first employee in the UK: a simple guide for small businesses
Hiring your first employee is a big step Taking on your first employee usually means your business is growing. Work is increasing, opportunities are opening up, and doing everything yourself is no longer sustainable. It can also feel daunting if you have never employed anyone before. Employment law, payroll, pensions, and contracts can seem overwhelming. […]
Why awareness days alone don’t create inclusive workplaces
Good intentions are not the same as meaningful change Many small businesses recognise workplace diversity and inclusion awareness days with positive intent. A post on LinkedIn, an internal message, or a short acknowledgement in a team meeting. But for many employees, these moments feel disconnected from their day-to-day experience at work. The issue is not […]
Post job offer health questionnaires: what employers can and cannot ask
Inclusion starts before day one One of the most overlooked, and most powerful, tools for building a mentally healthy and inclusive workplace is the post job offer health questionnaire. Used well, it helps employers identify support needs early, build trust with new hires, and meet their legal responsibilities without crossing into inappropriate or intrusive territory. […]
UK employment law changes: what small employers need to prepare for now
Employment law is changing, but not everything changes at once. UK employment law is going through a period of significant reform. New legislation is being introduced, existing rights are being expanded, and the expectations placed on employers are shifting earlier in the employment relationship. For small businesses, this can feel unsettling. Headlines often suggest immediate, […]
Managing Staff Redundancies: A Guide for SMEs Employers
Managing redundancies is a complex yet sometimes necessary part of business restructuring. You need a clear and legally compliant approach is essential to safeguard both your business and your team. Our article explains redundancies in the UK, what you need to consider, and the steps to ensure your processes align with best practices. What Is […]
Employment tribunal risk: how small businesses can protect themselves
Why employment tribunals are a real risk for small businesses Employment tribunals are not just legal disputes. For small businesses, they can be disruptive, expensive, and emotionally draining. Most tribunal claims do not arise from malicious intent. They arise from: informal management decisions unclear documentation inconsistent handling of issues lack of early advice As employment […]
How to Throw a Christmas Party Without Legal Headaches: A Guide for Employers
Christmas parties are a time to relax, celebrate, and enjoy some downtime with colleagues. But, for employers, they come with an added responsibility: making sure everyone has fun in a safe, inclusive, and legally compliant way. With the new Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 now in effect, employers must take reasonable […]
Why Your Company Needs a Code of Conduct and What It Should Contain.
The code of conduct is a document that provides guidelines on acceptable behaviour that individuals at work should adopt on a day to day basis. It is important for businesses to have a code of conduct in place as it gives your employees a formal structure to follow. It keeps everything right and ensures your […]
Employment Law – Is Long Covid Classed As a Disability?
The Employment Tribunal (ET) has held that an employee who had COVID 19 at the time of dismissal was not disabled within the meaning of the Equality Act (EA) 2010. This contrasts to prior ET decisions which had found that employees suffering with long COVID were disabled and thus protected under the Act. Mrs Quinn had been employed […]
What To Consider When Appointing An HR Consultant For Your Business
Are you considering hiring an external HR or People Consultant to support your business? Before making this important decision, it’s essential to note some important points to ensure you’re making the right choice. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process and provide insight into selecting the right HR consultant for your needs. What […]