Reflecting on 2024, we’ve seen one of the greatest shake-ups in employment legislation in recent times. From expanded flexible working rights and the introduction of carers’ leave to extended redundancy protection for family leave, the landscape has dramatically evolved. Add to this a government committed to delivering the "biggest upgrade to rights at work for a generation," and it’s clear that 2025 will bring both challenges and opportunities for employers. With uncertainty about which proposed changes will become law (and when), organisations must remain on…
With Shared Parental Leave uptake at an all-time low, we explore how the UK can break down barriers, learn from Europe, and create more equitable opportunities for families and businesses. How does Shared Parental Leave work? Shared parental leave (SPL) currently allows parents and adoptive parents to share up to 50 weeks of leave following the birth of a child. After the birth parent takes their compulsory two weeks (four weeks for factory workers), the remaining time can be shared between both parents. For some…
A business continuity plan (also known as BCP) involves establishing procedures that will keep your business operating as normal after a disaster or unforeseen event has occurred that means typical working practices are changed. For example, workers may be asked to work remotely or to use different tools and processes in order to continue working. During periods of uncertainty, HR is often the first port of call for many employees. So, what can HR departments do to support business continuity planning during what can be…
Are your star employees running on fumes, their motivation waning, and their once bright enthusiasm dimming? They might be experiencing burnout. These days, the pressure to ‘do more with less’ can feel overwhelming. But the cost of ignoring burnout is far greater than the time or resources it takes to prevent it. The good news? You can flip the script. Let’s explore practical ways to manage stress in your workforce, before it inevitably leads to burnout. What is burnout? The World Health Organisation defines burnout…
As the winter months draw in, Britain has already experienced its first flurry of snow and the arrival of Storm Bert, bringing flooding and travel disruptions. The recent wintry weather has left employers feeling as though they’re on thin ice when it comes to protecting their employees’ safety. Here are some key considerations for employers when determining their obligations during such times. Where the employees make themselves available for work Winter brings festive cheer, season’s greetings… and a host of weather-related challenges. Frozen or burst…
With the festive season once again upon us, and in-light of the Worker Protection Act amendment to the Equality Act 2010, what steps do you need to take to ensure all employees have a happy and safe Christmas party? The new Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, which came into force on 26 October 2024, introduced major changes that impact how employers should approach work-related events, including your Christmas do. Here’s what you need to know to ensure a safe and enjoyable…
Performance appraisals play a crucial role in any organisation and present a host of benefits for employers and employees alike. However, there are numerous problems that can arise from these meetings, leading to more harm than good. To prevent you from falling into the same traps as other organisations, we’ve laid down all the common issues that arise from poor performance appraisals, mistakes managers commonly make as well as ways to avoid this. The common problems with performance appraisals There are numerous issues that can…
Employee payroll fraud is one of the most common types of workplace fraud you can encounter and will generally be committed by an employee attempting to receive any money they are not entitled to. If you were looking to define it, you would say that it’s the theft of funds from a business via its payroll processing system. Any type of fraud – but especially payroll fraud – can be costly to your business, with payroll fraud costing UK companies around £12 billion per year!…
If you’re in HR, you’ve definitely heard of ‘The Bradford Factor’. Developed in the 1980s by the Bradford University School of Management, it quickly gained popularity as a tool for employers seeking a straightforward way to manage employee absence. But is it really the best approach for modern absence management? Let’s explore why relying solely on The Bradford Factor isn’t best practice. What is the Bradford Factor? For the uninitiated, the Bradford Factor is based on the theory that short, frequent, unplanned absences are more…
A recent study by Nurofen brings to light a troubling issue surrounding the current state of women’s health at work, with a staggering 20% of women say that having their pain dismissed at work has negatively impacted their careers. The Gender Pain Gap Index Report reveals that women’s pain is often brushed off or overlooked – especially in the workplace. With 42% of women going through menopause having related pain dismissed by their employer, we clearly have some work to do in creating a more…
