One of the most talked-about proposals in the Employment Rights Bill was to give employees the right to claim unfair dismissal from day one. While many expected this change to pass easily, last week, the proposal was withdrawn. However, employers still face significant changes that require attention and should be aware of what’s coming.
Blog
Budget 2025: what employers need to know
Volunteers bring significant value - to themselves, and to the organisations they contribute to. For neurodivergent individuals the benefits can be especially powerful: building skills, confidence, belonging and social connection.
The story of Tom Boyd recently captured the nation’s attention. Beyond the human-interest angle, Tom’s experience raises critical lessons for organisations about compliance, volunteer management, and training.
Duty to prevent sexual harassment | One year on, many employers still unprepared
Nearly a year since the Worker Protection Act 2024 came into effect, new research from our sister company WorkNest highlights that many organisations are still not fully meeting their legal duty to prevent sexual harassment at work.
Unconscious bias in the workplace | What we can learn from The Celebrity Traitors
We’ve all been glued to The Celebrity Traitors. The drama, the deception, the tension at every round table – it’s brilliant TV. But beyond the entertainment, the show offers a fascinating look at something we deal with every day at work: unconscious bias.
Each accusation, each decision to ‘banish’ a player, is made with limited evidence and plenty of gut feeling. And that’s exactly how bias shows up in our workplaces – in the small, often unnoticed ways we make decisions.
Supporting neurodivergent volunteers: How to get it right
Volunteers bring significant value - to themselves, and to the organisations they contribute to. For neurodivergent individuals the benefits can be especially powerful: building skills, confidence, belonging and social connection.
The story of Tom Boyd recently captured the nation’s attention. Beyond the human-interest angle, Tom’s experience raises critical lessons for organisations about compliance, volunteer management, and training.
Are NDAs still legal? The new rules employers must know
If your organisation uses non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) or confidentiality clauses in settlement agreements or employment contracts, read on.
New proposals could soon make it unlawful for employers to use NDAs to stop employees speaking out about harassment or discrimination at work.
In a post-#MeToo world, the UK government is moving to render certain NDAs unenforceable. Proposed amendments to the Employment Rights Bill (ERB) would, if passed, give stronger protection to anyone who has experienced – or witnessed – workplace harassment or discrimination.
When an employee resigns during a disciplinary process
It’s not unusual for employees to resign once a disciplinary process is underway, particularly if they suspect dismissal may be the outcome. They might feel it’s better to leave on their own terms than face the consequences of formal action.
But what should employers do in this situation? Can you refuse their resignation, continue the process, or must you stop altogether? Here’s our practical guide to managing this fairly and confidently.
Reducing complaints with effective leadership
Frequent grievances don’t just waste time – they damage morale, trust and productivity. By investing in training that enhances emotional intelligence and communication, you can reduce the number of formal complaints, improve relationships, and build a more positive culture.
When AI enters the grievance process
Our latest blog covers the rising use of AI within the grievance process, and what you as a HR professional can do to minimise potential risks.
‘Sandwich leave’: the legal risks
The concept of sandwich leave is the latest hot-button issue within the HR world. While some employers supported the approach, others questioned whether it was fair or simply a way to discourage employees from taking time off. So, is this something UK employers should be thinking about – and what’s the impact on culture and engagement?