HR News & Compliance Blog

The moment an employee tells you they are pregnant, you must begin your legal maternity protection process starting with a pregnancy risk assessment, confirming rights and ensuring they face no detriment. 1. Acknowledge the pregnancy While not a legal requirement, employers should: This protects both parties and sets a professional…

In this month’s article we are confirming the Key Employment Rights Changes for October 2026. Please note, these changes primarily impact employers based in, or with employees / offices in England. These changes will not take effect in Northern Ireland (Employment, trade union and equality law are devolved in Northern Ireland). In…

In this month’s article we explore Offers of Employment. We consider when they become legally binding and how, as well as how you can successfully and lawfully rescind one, if required. Relevant FAQ’s Q1) What is a Conditional offer of Employment? One of the biggest misconceptions in this area is…

In this month’s article we will explore Compromise Agreements in the Workplace, when they might be used and what the process looks like. Relevant FAQ’s Q1) What is a Compromise Agreement? A Compromise Agreement is a legally binding contract used to end an employment relationship on agreed terms, and settlement…

In this month’s article we explore the basic fundamentals of Managing Annual Leave (AL).  AL can be a complex area, and indeed we could publish an article alone on calculations.  However today we will retain focus on a key area often underappreciated, that is the need to proactively manage annual leave…

This month’s article provides a timely reminder of the importance of managing absence in the Workplace.  It follows on from our recent successful Absence Management Workshop, and in light of the legislative changes relating to SSP which come into force on April 6th, 2026. Workplace Absence FAQ’s Q1) Reminder of…

Key Changes to Statutory Sick Pay from 6th April 2026  Calculating Average Weekly Earnings and SSP Payments: There is already no length of service eligibility criteria on SSP, however, employees would have needed to earn at least the lower earnings limit, which may be demonstrated in one week’s pay.  With…

In this month’s article we look to the impact of Drugs and Alcohol when it comes to the workplace, as well as our role as employers. Drugs & Alcohol in the Workplace FAQ’s Q1) As an employer what should I do if an employee arrives for work smelling of alcohol?…

Key Information for Employers On 20 January 2026, Department for Economy published its response to the Consultation on extending Statutory Parental Bereavement Leave & Pay to include:– Miscarriage and– making right to pay a day 1 right subject to meeting lower earnings threshold currently £125 per week. From 6 APRIL…

In this month’s article we look to Workplace Investigations – why do them and how to do them right.  We will also consider key tips for a successful investigation and the risks of getting it wrong. Workplace Investigations FAQ’s Q1) Why conduct a Workplace Investigation? Whilst often instinct may be…

In this month’s article we look to Mediation in the Workplace as a method of conflict resolution. We seek to demystify the process, define the benefits and consider, in real terms how an organisation might introduce the practice of Mediation. Mediation FAQ’s What is Workplace Mediation & how does it…

Employee Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) FAQ’s In this month’s article we look to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), specifically as it is relevant to Northern Ireland.  With both long- and short-term absence rates increasing nationwide, alongside greater interconnectedness with other legislative protections such as Disability Discrimination, managing sickness absence is getting…