Every April the government adjusts various employee related allowances the most significant are set out below The National Minimum Wage for 21 and over – up to £11.44 per hour For 18 to 20-year-olds – up to £8.60 per hour For under-18s – up to £6.40 per hour For apprentices – up to £6.40 per hour There are other rates out there such as the London Living Wage but those shown above are the legal minimums. Employment Tribunal Compensation Compensation limits are increased annually, and usually in line with the retail price index. From 2024 to 2025, the following compensation caps ..read more

2024 may be more challenging than you think While we all know that inflation, interest & business rates are going to continue to have a big impact on our cashflow compounded by the rise in minimum wage rates, there are a number of other HR regs coming down the tracks that most people are simply not aware of that will also have a significant financial impact. It’s not all doom and gloom though and as the old saying goes fore warned is fore armed which is why I want to share the following so that you are ahead of the game so to speak. All organisations including ‘not for profits’ and chariti ..read more

It’s that time of the year again. The year end party season is about to start. As always in January there will be the fallout from photocopier incidents or worse, physical or sexual assaults on fellow employees as a result of too much drink. However, employers please remember if there are parties funded by the company the employer is still responsible for the conduct of their staff. Employers should be aware of potential harassment and discrimination claims that could arise from colleagues making inappropriate and offensive comments or worse, at parties once the drinks start flowing, or otherw ..read more

Regular readers of my posts will now I am obsessive about the need for up to date employment contracts. I was recently approached by a client who had failed to pass on the contract I had prepared to his employee. The employer, because he had just put the prepared contract in the drawer and not asked the employee to sign it, was unaware that the employee was entitled to paid holiday and did have the right to have his terms and conditions explained to him. The employee was terminated with less than 2 years’ service due to poor performance. The employer had thought this was a no risk dismissal. H ..read more

As we know there are many British holidaymakers stranded because of the failure of the air traffic control system and at present it is unclear when they will be back home. If you an employer how should you approach this extraordinary situation There are certain obligations both on the employee and employer. The employee should make every effort to contact the employer to explain their predicament and to indicate as best they can when they are likely to be back. In these circumstances contact can be made by phone, email or text message. For small organisations absence of key employees can have ..read more

  How to Conduct Effective Performance Reviews in London Learn how to conduct effective performance reviews in London companies. Boost employee morale and productivity with these tips. Preparation is Key To ensure an effective performance review, it is crucial to come prepared. As a manager, you should gather all relevant information about the employee’s performance, including previous reviews, job descriptions, goals, and any feedback from colleagues or clients. This will help you to provide a comprehensive and accurate review. Create a Positive Environment A performance review can be a ..read more

  How to Boost Employee Engagement in London Companies Learn how to improve employee engagement and increase retention rates in your London company with these effective tips. Create a Positive Work Environment A positive work environment is critical to employee engagement. Employees who feel valued and appreciated are more likely to be engaged in their work. London companies can create a positive work environment by offering opportunities for employee growth and development, recognizing employees for their hard work, and fostering a sense of community and teamwork. Offer Competitive Compe ..read more

  Effective Employee Recognition Programs for London Companies Learn the best ways to recognize and reward your employees in London companies. Boost morale and increase retention rates with these effective tips. Understand the Importance of Employee Recognition Employee recognition is a crucial part of any successful business. When employees feel valued and appreciated, they are more motivated, engaged, and productive. Employee recognition programs are a great way to show your employees that you appreciate their hard work and dedication. In this blog post, we will discuss the best ways to ..read more

The Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 has completed its passage through Parliament and now awaits Royal Assent which will shortly happen. There are several things it changes about the current flexible working regime and several things that it does not. In terms of what it does change: Employees will now be able to make two flexible working requests in any 12 month period. Requests have to be dealt-with by employers within 2 months of receipt of a request if no extension is agreed. Employers are not able to refuse a request until they have ‘consulted’ with th ..read more

There are three Government-backed Private Members’ Bills that will give parents and unpaid carers new protections at work regarding extended leave entitlements and redundancy protections. These Bills received Royal Assent on 24 May 2023. However although the bills have now become Acts of Parliament they will not come into force until the government publishes regulations explaining how they intend operate the new measures, these are not expected until the early part of 2024 The basic details of the 3 acts are shown below the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023, which will allow eligible emp ..read more