Skills shortages continue to be a significant challenge for businesses across many industries. Employers regularly tell us that experienced engineers are difficult to find, applicants do not always have the specialist qualifications required, and talented people are...
Acas is consulting on the first full revision of its Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures since 2009. The consultation is open until 23 September 2026. The proposed Code has not yet taken effect, but it gives employers a useful indication of how...
When employers think about employment contracts, they usually think about the written document. The offer letter, the contract of employment, the staff handbook, the policies and any signed variations. That is understandable. Written terms matter. They give both sides...
Employee absence is a normal part of working life, but when it is not managed effectively, a few missed days can quickly have a wider impact. Additional workloads, reduced productivity and pressure on colleagues can all affect the day-to-day running of a business. For...
Father’s Day is a useful opportunity to consider how your organisation supports working fathers and partners. However, support for parents should not be limited to one occasion in the calendar. Creating a workplace where employees feel able to balance their family...
October is Menopause Awareness Month, making it an ideal time to consider how your organisation supports employees through this natural stage of life. However, menopause support should not be limited to one month of the year. Creating an open and understanding...
A probationary period gives both the employer and the employee the chance to confirm that the role is the right fit. It is an important stage of the employment relationship, helping to set expectations, identify areas for development and make sure both sides are...
For many small businesses, HR starts informally. Someone downloads a contract. A manager keeps a few notes. Payroll deals with holiday queries. The business owner handles everything else as and when it comes up. That can work for a while... Then the team grows, a...
Women returning to work after a period away (maternity/adoption/parental leave, caring responsibilities, ill health, bereavement, trauma, a career break, redundancy, or starting a new job) often face a “double load”: re-entry pressures at work alongside major life...
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