What are protected characteristics? Under the Equality Act 2010, treating someone unfairly at work in the UK because of the following protected characteristics is unlawful… • Age• Disability• Race• Gender reassignment• Marriage/civil partnership• Religion or belief• Pregnancy or maternity• Sex• Sexual orientation What does unfair treatment look like? • Both direct and indirect discrimination, such […]
Category: Health and Social Care
NatWest banning WhatsApp: Is it time to review your phone and social media use policy?
NatWest has recently decided to ban messaging apps, like WhatsApp and Skype, from being on work devices. The move addresses concerns about unregulated “off-channel” communications, which can pose risks around compliance, transparency and data security. But here’s the thing… this isn’t just an issue for big banks. Here’s why it matters for your business: Data […]
How to manage gross misconduct…
Dealing with gross misconduct in the workplace is one of the most challenging scenarios for any employer. It’s a serious matter that can lead to immediate termination, but it’s critical to approach it cautiously to ensure compliance with employment laws and avoid unnecessary disputes. If you suspect an employee of gross misconduct, this step-by-step guide […]
National Sickie Day: Absence costing UK businesses over £100 billion
Monday 3rd February is dubbed National Sickie Day, because this is the day when your employees are, statistically, most likely to call in sick. While the odd sick day here and there is natural, and should be encouraged if their sickness is genuine, absence can be a huge problem for you as a business owner. […]
Why hiring an apprentice is a smart move for your business
It’s National Apprenticeship Week, and there’s no better time to highlight the benefits of bringing an apprentice into your team. Whether you’re a small business looking to grow or a larger company aiming to nurture fresh talent, apprenticeships offer an excellent opportunity to build your workforce affordably. Here are three reasons to consider hiring an […]
Do your managers need training in 2025?
The Chartered Management Institute claims 82% of UK managers are ‘accidental managers’ who have received little to no formal management training. As you and I both know, managing people is a complex task. There is no instruction manual, nor a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Yet, we still expect our managers, often promoted through tenure and technical competence, […]
Use HR Metrics to track and improve your performance in 2025
As an HR consultant, we know how powerful HR can really be to your business. But for you, it can quickly feel very intangible, and we get that… That’s why it’s so important to create HR Metrics. They allow you to analyse data and make great decisions for your business and people. As well as […]
Do you have the right policies in place for 2025?
HR policies are as crucial to your business as the laws of the land. They provide your organisation with written guidance on how employees should behave and your expectations. You can rely on them if you have an issue with an employee, and they can support you in an employment tribunal. For that reason, it’s […]
An HR Audit will help you to make 2025 your best year yet
As an independent HR consultant, we’re here to be your business’s strategic partner and our primary aim is to help you to achieve your goals. To do this, we need to understand how your business ticks, the risks it faces and the opportunities available to you. Likewise, you need to understand how your employees (your […]
How ‘Organisational Design’ will help you to have a successful 2025
HR consultants use the term Organisational Design to describe how your business operates from a people point of view. It involves figuring out the best way to arrange your teams, roles and workflows, so that everyone knows what they need to do, how they fit into the bigger picture and how they can work together […]