Many of us like to think of ourselves as committed to supporting marginalised communities and believe we're the kind of people who stand up for what’s right. We may think of ourselves as progressive and "not homophobic" or "not racist" and think that that's enough to do meaningful good in the world. Of course, that’s a fantastic start. However, simply ‘not having bad views’ or ‘not doing harm against others’ doesn't do much to support members of the community who are subject to homophobia etc.…
This time seven years ago, we were all quaking as we awaited May’s implementation of the dreaded Europe-wide General Data Protection Regulation. Of course, we already had the UK 1998 Data Protection Act. But what panicked everyone was the complexity and massive penalties of GDPR. Unsurprising with a new maximum penalty of twenty million euro! The seven year itch? 2025 is ‘seven-year itch’ time for GDPR. We may have severed our ties with the European Union in 2020 but, in fact, we are still firmly…
A new year often brings new pressures – and for many employees, mental health struggles don’t reset on January 1st. With stress, anxiety, and burnout continuing to rise, how employers handle mental health-related absences in 2025 will shape workplace culture, retention, and long-term success. So, as we step further into the year ahead, how can HR and managers reset their approach and create a workplace that genuinely supports mental wellbeing? What to do when an employee reports a mental health-related absence Whether an employee calls…
We’re only in February, yet 2025 has started out with stark warning to employers. In January, hundreds of current and former McDonald’s employees joined forces to take legal action against the fast-food giant, citing widespread harassment across its UK franchises. The allegations, first exposed by the BBC, describe a “toxic culture” of sexual harassment, racism, bullying, and assault. This follows the 2023 Business and Trade Committee hearing, where McDonald’s UK CEO Alistair Macrow pledged to improve workplace conditions. However, just weeks ago, Macrow revealed that…
It's certainly been a busy year in employment law. With key legislative changes and the election of a new Labour government in July committed to transforming workers’ rights, 2025 is set to bring new challenges and opportunities for HR professionals. 2024 has seen rapid growth in the adoption of generative AI in HR and recruitment in the UK. Research shows that around 60% of medium to large UK businesses now use some form of AI for recruitment and workforce management. And, according to the CIPD…
In this article, we explore what probationary periods are, how long they should be, and why jobs have them. A probationary period is an extremely useful opportunity to ascertain whether or not a new employee is suitable for a role. This time at the outset of an employment contract is practical for both the employer and the employee, as it enables both parties to decide whether the employee will be taking a permanent position with the organisation. Probation periods meaning A probation period is an…
With a whole new year ahead, it’s time to start thinking about what the future of payroll has in store. The world of payroll is evolving fast, and the CIPP’s Future of Payroll Report shines a spotlight on how it’s transforming for the better. From new technologies to fresh legislation, payroll is becoming more dynamic than ever. We’ve had a look through the report and pulled out the key takeaways that caught our eye – insights that are sure to shape the future of payroll…
Sometimes, communicating with your employees can feel like shouting into the void. You’ve sent that email, posted that update, even pinned it to the break room corkboard… yet somehow, they still say, “Oh, I didn’t know about that.” We get it. In a sea of emails, messages, and notifications, cutting through the noise is tough. But keeping your team informed doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle. With a little creativity and a lot of intention, you can make sure your messages are not…
A recent report reveals that employee morale is still a critical challenge for businesses. With wellbeing declining globally and one in five employees reporting feelings of loneliness, how can you create a positive attitude in your team and boost morale as we head into the new year? It's no news to us that high morale leads to increased productivity, lower staff turnover, and a better working environment for all. But in recent times, employees are grappling with pressures like job insecurity, remote work challenges, and…
Reflecting on 2024, we’ve seen one of the greatest shake-ups in employment legislation in recent times. From expanded flexible working rights and the introduction of carers’ leave to extended redundancy protection for family leave, the landscape has dramatically evolved. Add to this a government committed to delivering the "biggest upgrade to rights at work for a generation," and it’s clear that 2025 will bring both challenges and opportunities for employers. With uncertainty about which proposed changes will become law (and when), organisations must remain on…
