National Minimum Wage Wage Band Rate from April 1 Age 21 or over (National Living Wage) £11.44 Age 18 to 20 £8.60 Under 18 £6.40 Apprentice £6.40 Statutory Sick Pay Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will increase from £109.40 to £116.75 per week for eligible employees, with effect from 6 April 2024. The same weekly SSP rate will apply to all employees. Statutory Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared Parental and Parental Bereavement Pay Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) Paternity or adoption pay Qualifying week Average weekly earnings Lea ..read more

From the day-one right to request flexible working to the introduction of rolled-up holiday pay, HR Services Scotland’s HR Director Kerry Hyslop runs through the employment law changes employers must prepare for in 2024. Several legislative changes for employment law in 2024 seek to make the workplace fairer. The following are some of the key pieces of legislation coming into force, as well as the dates for enactment. Family-focused changes 2024 will see two pieces of new legislation (and a third set for 2025) to make the workplace fairer for families. The Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy ..read more

Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals (UFAS) are a significant concern for businesses and property owners, as they can cause unnecessary disruption and place an undue burden on emergency services. Understanding what causes these false alarms and implementing effective strategies for their reduction is crucial for maintaining safety and preventing the waste of valuable resources. This article aims to provide insight into the prevention of UFAS, the responsibilities of various stakeholders, and the impact of these alarms on different sectors. A key aspect of addressing UFAS is recognising the common caus ..read more

In a recent interview with our Managing Director, we asked, “What risk does a UK SME face if they don’t have the correct employee documentation in place “ If a UK SME does not have the correct employee documentation in place, it can face several risks and consequences. Here are some potential risks: 1. Legal Compliance: Failure to maintain the necessary employee documentation can result in non-compliance with employment laws and regulations. The UK has specific legal requirements regarding employee documentation, including contracts, right-to-work checks, and data protection obligations. Non-c ..read more

In a recent interview with our Managing Director, we asked, “What risks does a UK SME face if they don’t have an operational Health and Safety system in place” If a UK SME fails to have an operational Health and Safety system in place, it can face several risks and consequences. Here are some potential risks: 1. Employee Injuries and Illnesses: Without an effective Health and Safety system, the risk of workplace accidents, injuries, and illnesses increases. This can lead to harm or health issues for employees, resulting in physical suffering, medical expenses, and potential legal claims. Addit ..read more

ISO 14001 is an internationally recognised environmental management system (EMS) standard. It provides a framework for businesses to manage their environmental impact and reduce their carbon footprint. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), obtaining ISO 14001 certification can have several benefits. Reduce Environmental Footprint Firstly, ISO 14001 certification can help SMEs to reduce their environmental impact. The standard requires businesses to identify and manage their environmental aspects, which can include energy consumption, waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions. By ..read more

ISO 27001 is an internationally recognized information security management system (ISMS) standard. It provides a framework for businesses to manage their information security risks and protect their sensitive data. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), obtaining ISO 27001 certification can have several benefits. Improve Information Security Firstly, ISO 27001 certification can help SMEs to strengthen their information security. The standard requires businesses to identify and manage their information security risks, which can include unauthorised access, data breaches, and cyber-attac ..read more

ISO 9001 is an internationally recognized quality management system (QMS) standard. It helps businesses demonstrate their commitment to quality and continuous improvement and can provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), obtaining ISO 9001 certification can have several benefits. 1. Improve Procedures Firstly, ISO 9001 certification can help SMEs to improve their processes and procedures. The standard requires businesses to establish a set of quality objectives and to develop a plan to achieve them. By implementing the ISO 9001 standard ..read more

What are the benefits of a business outsourcing their HR function? Outsourcing the HR function is a strategic decision that many companies make to improve their operations and focus on their core business activities. There are many reasons why a company should consider outsourcing their HR function, and in this narrative, we will explore some of the most important ones. Reduce Costs First and foremost, outsourcing the HR function can help a company reduce costs. By outsourcing, a company can avoid the costs associated with hiring and training new HR staff, paying for benefits, and providing of ..read more

Happy Easter from the team at HR Services Scotland! Easter is a time to reflect and take time off for rest and rejuvenation. We would like to wish all our clients and business partners a very Happy Easter. May the time off bring you, your family, and your colleagues the clarity and direction needed as we head into the new season. Please note our business hours for the Easter period of 2022: Friday, 15th April 2022: Open from 9am – 5pm Monday, 18th April 2022: Closed Tuesday, 19th April 2022: Normal Business hours resume We are closed on Easter Monday to give our employees time off to enjoy t ..read more