The festive season is a great opportunity for employers to thank their teams, celebrate achievements, and boost morale. The annual Christmas party or end-of-year get-together can be a real highlight, but it also comes with risks that employers shouldn’t overlook. From alcohol-fuelled arguments and inappropriate behaviour to damaging social media posts or absenteeism the next day, employers are legally responsible for staff conduct at work-related events. Failing to set expect

Probationary periods give employers the opportunity to assess whether a new recruit is the right fit for the role and the organisation. But when it becomes clear that things aren’t working out, many managers feel uncertain about how to bring employment to an end fairly and legally. While probation dismissals are often thought of as “straightforward,” there are still important legal and procedural steps to follow. Mismanaging the process can expose employers to unnecessary ris

For many organisations, employing people under 18 can bring real benefits. Young workers often bring enthusiasm, energy, and fresh ideas into the workplace, and for some industries such as hospitality and retail they can also provide flexible and affordable staffing solutions.   However, employing under 18s also comes with legal responsibilities and additional considerations  to make sure they are supported, safe, and treated fairly. At Kirby HR Consultancy , I help businesse

Why References Matter Employment references may feel like a routine task, but they carry legal and reputational weight for employers. A poorly written or misleading reference can expose your business to claims, while being overly cautious might raise questions from future employers. Understanding your responsibilities is essential to get this balance right.   Do Employers Have to Provide a Reference? In most situations, there is no general legal duty  to provide a reference.

The Government has confirmed that the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates  will rise from April 2023 . While this may not impact every employer, it’s important to understand the new rates.   Planning ahead will ensure you remain compliant and can budget accurately for any increased payroll costs.   Step 1 : Understand the New Minimum Wage Rates   From April 2023, the following rates will apply:   Over 21s (National Living Wage): Increasing from £9.50 to £10.1

Every winter brings its own challenges for employers – rising sickness levels, travel disruption, and the knock-on effects of school closures or unsafe working conditions. Whether it’s icy roads, flooded rail lines, or an office full of coughs and colds, extreme weather can quickly test a business’s ability to operate smoothly. Having clear policies in place helps you stay prepared, protect staff, and minimise business disruption. Here are some key considerations for employer

Calculating holiday pay can feel straightforward when someone works fixed hours, but things get more complex when overtime is involved. Since April 2020, the Government has required employers to use a 52-week reference period  when working out holiday pay for employees with variable pay. This rule came in as part of the Good Work Plan  and ensures a fairer approach for people whose hours and earnings fluctuate.   What Does This Mean? If an employee has worked for you more tha

In today’s workplaces, employers are increasingly aware that not all health conditions are straightforward, and not every employee will have a formal diagnosis when they need support. Conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or anxiety disorders  often take years to be officially diagnosed due to NHS waiting times, private assessment costs, or concerns about stigma. However, the absence of a diagnosis does not mean that an individual is not protected under the law or should

Redundancy is never an easy subject. For managers, it can feel like the most challenging part of running a business; for employees, it can be unsettling and emotional. Once the decision has been made that redundancies are necessary, many employers question why they must still go through a formal consultation process. On the surface, consultation may feel like prolonging a difficult situation. However, in UK employment law, redundancy consultation is not just a legal requireme

It’s becoming increasingly common for people to stay in the workforce well into their 60s and 70s. Some are continuing in long-term roles, others are moving jobs later in life, and many are even starting completely new careers. This isn’t a short-term trend — with life expectancy rising and the state pension age increasing (currently 67, with more changes likely), older workers are set to remain an important part of the labour market for the foreseeable future. Far from being

The Government has confirmed that the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates  will rise from April 2022 . While this may not impact every employer, it’s important to understand the new rates.   Planning ahead will ensure you remain compliant and can budget accurately for any increased payroll costs.   Step 1 : Understand the New Minimum Wage Rates   From April 2022, the following rates will apply:   23+ (National Living Wage): Increasing from £8.91 to £9.50  per

The government has now confirmed the end of all remaining legal Covid restrictions in England , setting out a new ‘Living with Covid’ plan. While this marks a major step towards normality, it also raises some important questions for businesses. Here’s a summary of what’s changing and what you should be aware of.   Key Changes No legal requirement for people who test positive to self-isolate. Those with Covid are advised  to stay at home for at least five days and avoid close

Unplanned absence is always a challenge for businesses, but when it relates to mental health, the impact can feel even greater. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress, PTSD, and other mental health concerns are among the leading causes of long-term absence in UK workplaces. Having a clear, compassionate process in place to manage these absences — and to support employees in returning to work — is essential for both business continuity and employee wellbeing.   Why Thi

As the year draws to a close, it’s a good time to check whether your team has taken their full annual leave entitlement. If your company policy doesn’t allow leave to carry over into the new year, now is the moment to remind staff before it’s too late.   Why Taking Annual Leave Matters Encouraging your employees to take time off isn’t just about ticking a compliance box, it’s about supporting their health and performance. Wellbeing & Burnout Prevention: Regular breaks reduce

From 1 July 2021 , the rules around Right to Work checks for EEA citizens  changed. Here’s what employers need to know and do next. No Retrospective Checks Required   If you completed a Right to Work check for a new hire on or before 30 June 2021 , and you have a record of it, you do not need to carry out retrospective checks . Your statutory excuse against liability for a civil penalty remains valid even if the employee is later found not to have the right to work in the UK.

The Government has confirmed that the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates  will rise from April 2021 . While this may not impact every employer, it’s important to understand the new rates.   Planning ahead will ensure you remain compliant and can budget accurately for any increased payroll costs.   Step 1 : Understand the New Minimum Wage Rates   From April 2021, the following rates will apply:   23+ (National Living Wage): Increasing from £8.72 to £8.91  per

Thinking about bringing an apprentice into your business but unsure what’s involved? Apprenticeships can be an excellent way to build skills in your organisation while supporting the next generation of talent. Here’s a breakdown of the key points for employers.   Why Hire an Apprentice? There are many benefits to taking on an apprentice beyond the lower hourly pay rate. Apprenticeships can help address skills shortages , especially in areas like digital technology, engineerin

Not sure what information you’re allowed to keep about your employees, or how long it should be stored? You’re not alone. Many employers find data retention rules confusing, but it’s an area that can’t be ignored. Holding on to outdated CVs, contracts saved on desktops, or boxes of old files could leave your business at risk of breaching data protection laws . The penalties for getting it wrong can be significant, so it’s important to understand the basics.   Why Employee Dat

In today’s fast-paced workplace, effective performance management is essential for employee success and organisational growth. At Kirby HR Consultancy, we believe performance management is more than an annual review — it’s about building a culture of ongoing feedback, development, and alignment with your business goals. By adopting modern performance management techniques and using the right tools, you can create a system that drives productivity, engagement, and retention.  

Managing staff absence effectively is crucial for maintaining productivity and supporting employee wellbeing. But do your team members fully understand your expectations around attendance? And do you have the right systems in place to track and respond to absence fairly?   At Kirby HR Consultancy, we specialise in helping businesses like yours create clear, practical absence management processes. With decades of hands-on HR experience, we’ll ensure your policies not only comp