HR guides and articles, page 3

The manager's guide to umbrella company regulation

Umbrella companies are coming under formal regulation for the first time. What the Employment Rights Act 2025 changes, the new Fair Work Agency, and how to check your supply chain now.

The end of pure zero-hours? What guaranteed hours will mean for a business.

The Employment Rights Act 2025 will give people on zero and low-hours contracts a right to be offered guaranteed hours. It is not here yet, but if you run on flexible staff, prepare now.

Why NDAs will no longer silence harassment complaints

An agreement that stops a worker speaking about harassment or discrimination they have suffered is about to lose its force. What that changes for settlements, and for handling complaints.

Time to grieve, protected.

A wider right to bereavement leave is coming, including a day-one right to protected time off after pregnancy loss before 24 weeks. What to expect, and how to prepare with care.

Flexible working in 2027: why saying no will need to be reasonable

The right to request flexible working is not becoming an absolute right, but refusing one is about to get harder. From 2027 a refusal must be reasonable, and explained in writing.

The CIS monthly-return trap every construction business should know.

If you pay subcontractors in construction, HMRC expects a return every month, even in a month you paid no one. How the CIS monthly return works, and how to stay clear of the fines.

Unfair dismissal at six months: what 1 January 2027 means for your business

The qualifying period for unfair dismissal drops from two years to six months, and the date is now fixed at 1 January 2027. What actually changes, and how to be ready.

The manager's guide to gender pay gap reporting and equality action plans in 2027

Gender pay gap reporting is gaining a second, connected duty. The existing regime, the equality action plan the Employment Rights Act 2025 adds, and how the spring 2027 timeline is shaping up.

The World Cup is on. A guide to leave, absence and flexible working.

The 2026 World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July. What Acas suggests on time off, flexible hours, absence and conduct, in the short version for a small team.