Well, obviously it means that you have a new baby/child to look after, feed and care for. Probably the best time of your life? That may not be the case for most dads or second parents though. If you’re a working dad or second parent, then you may take up to two-weeks off work at the current Paternity Pay rate of £187.18 per week, or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower). If you want to take any more time off, then you…
The UK Government has unveiled its roadmap for implementing the Employment Rights Bill, a cornerstone of its “Make Work Pay” agenda. This sweeping reform package aims to modernise employment law, improve job security, and raise workplace standards across the UK. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s changing - and when. Key changes at a glance The Bill introduces a range of new rights and protections for workers, including: Statutory Sick Pay for 1.3 million low-paid workers, removing the Lower Earnings Limit and waiting period. Day-one rights for paternity…
It’s almost eighty years since George Orwell penned those immortal words symbolising oppressive control: “Big brother is watching you”. Would he smile, eight decades later, that it’s now used to reference the seemingly relentless march of advanced-technology monitoring? In the field of employment, such monitoring undoubtedly has its place. Beware though, it’s very easy to be swept along, enthusiastically embracing new toys, including AI. Ignore the legal obligations and important principles that must underpin usage at your peril. The Information Commissioner’s survey It’s five years…
…sang Diana Ross. Contrary to a humorous myth circulating social media, it wasn’t Diana, or Cher for that matter, that first designed the Pride flag. But that catchy chorus does capture the spirit perfectly. Let’s take a look at the history of the Pride flag and why, today more than ever, it remains such a powerful symbol of unity, hope, and most of all… pride! The Pride flag Commonly known as the rainbow flag, the Pride flag has a rich history with deep roots in…
While considerable progress has been made to address gender inequality in the workplace, research suggests we need to be doing more. A recent report produced by the Young Women’s Trust found that more than half (53%) of women between the ages of 18 and 30 claimed they were discriminated against at work, up from 42% in 2022. I’m sure you’ll agree discrimination can have a very real impact on female progression, especially when it occurs during the early stages of an individual’s career. It can…
Do you feel like a detective trying to verify your candidates’ backgrounds? Non-stop calls, vague references and a wall of paperwork... It’s probably time for a change. This July, we’re bringing a new tool to your recruitment process: our background checking service. Designed to streamline and simplify, it’s set to transform how you screen your potential hires. A better start Your candidates deserve a positive experience, who knows how many long and clunky checks they’ve had to go through already? Show them you care and…
When there is no pressure or consequences on employees, it's more likely they will be honest. That's why exit interviews can provide raw and detailed accounts of an employees experience that they otherwise wouldn't talk about. Understanding these insights is crucial for HR professionals aiming to enhance retention strategies. Here's what UK employees commonly express after resigning: Lack of career progression You might have heard or read this recently; Jumping job every 2-3 years is the best way to advance in your career and get…
…is a slogan first used by LGBTQIA+ activists back in the 1990s which continues to be used today. It’s an expression used to express frustration and disappointment in the way the people from the queer community continue to be discriminated against and poorly treated today. One of the main challenges when suffering from discrimination is the impact on the person's mental health. This includes the impact on the LGBTQIA+ community which we discuss here, but there are of course mental health consequences for those who have…
If you give the minimum holiday entitlement – 28 days (which may or may not include bank holidays, depending upon your industry) – employees are normally expected to use all of their holiday in the current holiday year. If they don’t use all of their 28 days of holiday entitlement within the current holiday year, they would normally lose whatever they haven’t taken. What are the exceptions? Yes. There are some instances where holiday can be carried forward, even though they only have 28 days.…
Your top fee-earner, salesperson, tech guru, brilliant marketing manager, etc. hands in their notice. You’ll miss their expertise. They’ve been integral to your success. But, other than best wishes, what else may they take when they leave? Your thoughts turn to sensitive and confidential information. Their great relationship with key clients. Their intimate knowledge of operating procedures, secret formulae, the five-year development plan they constructed. And you breathe again because their employment contract contains restrictive covenants. Well, should you? What are restrictive covenants? These are…
