It's certainly been a busy year in employment law. With key legislative changes and the election of a new Labour government in July committed to transforming workers’ rights, 2025 is set to bring new challenges and opportunities for HR professionals. 2024 has seen rapid growth in the adoption of generative AI in HR and recruitment in the UK. Research shows that around 60% of medium to large UK businesses now use some form of AI for recruitment and workforce management. And, according to the CIPD…
In this article, we explore what probationary periods are, how long they should be, and why jobs have them. A probationary period is an extremely useful opportunity to ascertain whether or not a new employee is suitable for a role. This time at the outset of an employment contract is practical for both the employer and the employee, as it enables both parties to decide whether the employee will be taking a permanent position with the organisation. Probation periods meaning A probation period is an…
With a whole new year ahead, it’s time to start thinking about what the future of payroll has in store. The world of payroll is evolving fast, and the CIPP’s Future of Payroll Report shines a spotlight on how it’s transforming for the better. From new technologies to fresh legislation, payroll is becoming more dynamic than ever. We’ve had a look through the report and pulled out the key takeaways that caught our eye – insights that are sure to shape the future of payroll…
Sometimes, communicating with your employees can feel like shouting into the void. You’ve sent that email, posted that update, even pinned it to the break room corkboard… yet somehow, they still say, “Oh, I didn’t know about that.” We get it. In a sea of emails, messages, and notifications, cutting through the noise is tough. But keeping your team informed doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle. With a little creativity and a lot of intention, you can make sure your messages are not…
A recent report reveals that employee morale is still a critical challenge for businesses. With wellbeing declining globally and one in five employees reporting feelings of loneliness, how can you create a positive attitude in your team and boost morale as we head into the new year? It's no news to us that high morale leads to increased productivity, lower staff turnover, and a better working environment for all. But in recent times, employees are grappling with pressures like job insecurity, remote work challenges, and…
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…
