HR guides and articles, page 3

The manager's guide to redundancy

Redundancy is a genuine reason for dismissal only when its tests are met. Fair selection, individual and collective consultation, the protective award, and how redundancy pay and notice work.

The manager's guide to disciplinary and grievance handling

The ACAS Code sets the minimum fair process for discipline and grievances. The steps to follow, the right to be accompanied, appeals, and the tribunal uplift for getting it wrong.

The manager's guide to long-term sickness absence

A long absence means a person to support, sick pay to get right and a return to plan. What the law asks of you, what changed in 2026, and the practical steps to take at each stage.

The manager's guide to probation periods

Probation periods are set by contract, not by law. Setting objectives, running reviews, notice, extensions, and ending employment fairly before the 2027 unfair dismissal changes land.

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.