As part of its mission to ‘make work pay’, the UK government has confirmed plans to encourage further take up of flexible working. The proposals, to ‘strengthen’ employee rights to flexible working, are aimed squarely at helping working parents to balance work and home life. Flexible working generally covers working arrangements outside of the typical 9-5 that suit both the employee and employer in terms of when, where, and how work is done. It could take the form of: Part-time, staggered or compressed hours…
With the number of new job opportunities rising, employees now have more choice than ever before. This means businesses must go beyond simply offering a competitive salary in order to recruit and retain employees. They have to show that they care. Employees are looking beyond salaries and job role expectations, and instead are searching for a workplace that they can call home. They are seeking employers that genuinely care about their wellbeing - including what support is in place, and what the company values. What…
Unauthorised absence is one of the more frustrating issues for any manager or HR professional to deal with. It disrupts workflow, unsettles team morale, creates avoidable admin headaches and left unchecked; it can set a dangerous precedent for the rest of the team. Whilst no-one expects perfect attendance at all times, there’s a clear line between genuine authorised absence and simply failing to show up without notice and without explanation. Handled properly, unauthorised absence doesn’t need to lead to conflict or spiralling. With a structured…
According to The Times, and particularly since April’s hikes in Minimum Wage and National Insurance, advertised employment vacancies have dropped significantly. In fact, there’s been a reduction in ten of the last twelve months. Clearly this is not all down to the April changes, but they have undoubtedly impacted. Estimates suggest a drop in employment vacancies of between 20 – 25% between June 2024 and June 2025. Conversely, listings seeking freelancers, consultants and contractors have ramped up by 20% over the last twelve months. It’s…
It's been more than 5 years since the first of the covid lockdowns kept workers in the UK at home, which completely change the world of office-based working. And for many, these changes have now become an expectation. The Office for National Statistics has confirmed splitting time between the office and home is the new normal, finding that the number of hybrid workers has gradually increased since March 2022, and more than a quarter of workers were hybrid in Great Britain between January and March…
With the school summer holidays underway, it’s a time when working parents, guardians and any care givers start to juggle responsibilities! Providing support, especially at this time, can ensure you retain your best employees. We know that employees are looking for more than pay and benefits from employers, and flexibility along with work-life balance is a priority for most UK employees and candidates. Wellbeing initiatives are also key – including those focused on mental health. Supporting employees juggling home and work commitments is crucial for…
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 co-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 need…
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…
