In a fast-paced business, where every decision counts, the importance of an effective Human Resources (HR) system cannot be overstated. HR is the backbone of any organisation, responsible for managing employee data, facilitating communication, and ensuring compliance with regulations.  However, traditional HR systems often fall short in meeting the evolving needs of modern companies. Enter Breathe HR – a game-changer in the realm of HR management. Is Breathe HR right for you? If you find yourself in any of the following positions, then you need Breathe HR.  You’re constantly searchi ..read more

Emerging victorious at a tribunal is undoubtedly a cause for celebration. It’s proof of justice and feels like vindication for those who have had to navigate the challenging realm of workplace conflict. However, there is a misconception that triumph always leads to financial gain. In fact, there is often a sobering reality of quite the opposite.  Contrary to many people’s expectations, winning a case doesn’t automatically translate into the assurance of being awarded legal costs. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing an example of a time when the allocation of legal costs was a surprise to ..read more

People connect through language. We share our thoughts, beliefs and opinions with our words, and build meaningful connections this way. Often, we may be challenged on our words, as what we say is not always what we mean (and vice versa).  How we use our words at work can impact our jobs much more than we may realise. What may seem like innocent, necessary, or humorous conversation to you (or even just an opinion you hold) can be offensive to someone else. It’s crucial that employees and employers remember that a few words can go a long way – in fact, they could take you all the way to tri ..read more

In a significant stride towards employee empowerment and workplace stability, recent legislative developments have paved the way for a transformative change for labour rights. The Workers (Predictable Terms and Conditions) Act 2023, which is scheduled for September 2024, marks a pivotal moment for workers seeking more structured and stable work schedules.  This groundbreaking legislation not only focuses on the importance of predictable terms and conditions for employees, but also takes steps towards a healthier work-life balance.  In this blog post, we’ll be delving into the key pro ..read more

In the dynamic landscape of employment law, certain provisions stand out for their potential to transform workplace negotiations. One such provision is section 111A of the Employment Rights Act 1996, commonly referred to as ‘protected conversations’.   Before we go any further, it’s important that we recognise that ‘protected conversations’ are not the same as ‘without prejudice’ conversations. ‘Without prejudice’ conversations are held in the context of an existing dispute, while ‘protected conversations’ can be initiated without a dispute having occurred.  Section 111A is a st ..read more

You may one day find yourself wanting to fire an employee on the spot, but this could land you in hot water.  No matter how badly an employee behaves and how much potential reputational damage they do to your business, sacking them there and then is likely to cause even more issues for you. A recent tribunal ruling is clear proof of this.  In this blog, we’ll be sharing the story of a business that did not follow the proper dismissal process when letting an employee go, resulting in a tribunal case that ruled against the employer. We’ll also share the correct procedure to follow, so ..read more

ACAS is updating its statutory Code of Practice on requests for flexible working and both employers and employees need to know about it. Since the existing Code was published in 2014, there has been a significant shift in flexible working as well as people’s views towards this approach. Therefore, the updated Code is reflecting this attitude shift with the aim of providing employers, employees and representatives with a clear explanation of the law on the statutory right to request flexible working. It will also explain good practice advice for employers who are handling these requests.  ..read more

Did you know that there is no legal requirement for a probation period? This may be surprising to you, but very few Contracts of Employment have a probation clause.  At Expert HR Solutions, we think this is a real shame. There are many good reasons and benefits to having a probation period, and this blog will explain the what and the why, from both the perspective of the employer and the employee.  Probation ensures the right fit for the role  A probation period is an opportunity for both the employer and the employee to assess whether there’s a good fit between the employee and ..read more

Does my business need an HR Software Package? Here at Expert HR Solutions we are often asked what is the best HR Software package says Chris, and it is a very difficult question to answer.  The best test is to monitor how much time you are spending on managing things like recruitment and selection, absence management, managing leave requests and managing internal communications over a reasonable period of time.  If the average of your hourly rate divided by the hours you spend on such tasks per month is more than the number of employees expressed as £’s then the answer is you need to ..read more

What is likely to change in 2023 As many workplaces welcome back employees from the festive break in January 2023, this article looks ahead at what employers can expect in HR and employment law. Tips Law In certain sectors, particularly hospitality and leisure, employees rely heavily on tips and gratuities. Due to the cost-of-living crisis, these payments have become even more necessary in many cases. The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Bill is due to have its third reading in the House of Commons in January 2023. If passed, this bill will provide enhanced protection to staff members, by entit ..read more