HR News

Employment Law Updates & HR Insights for North East Businesses

People leadership and management in County Durham and the North East

Latest HR News

How Strategic People Leadership Helps UK Businesses Grow in 2026

Strong people leadership is becoming a key driver of business performance in the UK. Investing in strategic HR support helps organisations strengthen culture, improve engagement and build the workforce capability needed for long‑term growth.
Retained HR Support in County Durham and the North East

Latest HR News

Why UK Businesses Need HR Documentation That Protects People and Performance

Modern HR documentation is essential for UK employers because contracts, policies and handbooks must reflect current legislation. When documentation is outdated or inconsistent, organisations face compliance risk, employee confusion and operational disruption.
HR Training for culture and development

Latest HR News

How UK Managers Can Handle Difficult Conversations Without Damaging Culture

UK managers often struggle with difficult conversations, especially when performance or behaviour concerns arise. With the right HR training and guidance, leaders can communicate clearly, protect workplace culture and resolve issues confidently.
HR support for businesses in County Durham and the North East

Latest HR News

The HR Risks UK Businesses Overlook And How to Fix Them Fast

Many UK businesses carry hidden HR risks because outdated HR documentation and unclear HR processes create compliance issues. Strengthening your HR foundations through expert support helps prevent disputes, legal exposure and cultural disruption.
Young blonde lady sitting at a desk in front of a laptop, smiling up at a colleague.

Managing Change & Risk

TUPE

TUPE is one of the most misunderstood areas of employment law. Where it applies, the real risk usually sits in identifying it early, consulting properly and understanding what liabilities may transfer.
Lady sitting at a table signing a contract.

Managing Change & Risk

Settlement agreements and COT3 negotiations

Settlement agreements and COT3 negotiations can provide a sensible route to resolving workplace issues, but the negotiation stage needs to be handled carefully, fairly and with a clear understanding of risk.
A young lady in a grey suit sitting at a table with a stern look on her face.

Managing Change & Risk

Redundancy in a pool of one

A redundancy pool of one can be fair and lawful, but only if the process is handled properly. The rationale, consultation and consideration of alternatives all still matter.
Red-headed woman sitting in side profile at a desk in an office, holding an iPad, smiling.

Employment Law & Compliance

The Fair Work Agency

The Fair Work Agency raises the bar on employment rights enforcement. Even good employers need to be able to evidence compliance clearly, consistently and in practice.
Close up of a laptop with hands typing.

Employment Law & Compliance

Increasing employer risk

Employers are facing stronger employee rights, tighter enforcement and a rise in AI-assisted grievances and claims. That makes fair process, good records and consistent decision making more important than ever.
Young man sitting with his eyes closed on a sofa in a sunlit room.

Employment Law & Compliance

SSP changes in April 26

From April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay changes affect eligibility, timing and cost. Employers should review policies, payroll processes and manager guidance now.
A man and a woman sitting side by side looking at a computer screen.

Employment Law & Compliance

Sexual harassment in the workplace

Sexual harassment prevention is now a clear legal duty for employers. Policies alone are not enough, and training, risk assessment and a proactive approach matter more than ever.
A young lady steaming milk at a coffee machine while a young man is pouring espresso.

Employment Law & Compliance

Employment Rights Act 2025

The Employment Rights Act 2025 is raising the bar for employers across compliance, process and prevention. Early preparation will make it much easier to manage the changes ahead.
A man and a woman sitting side by side in a bright office discussing something.

Employee Relations & Workplace Issues

Navigating workplace investigations

A fair workplace investigation is about gathering facts properly, keeping the process clear and reducing the risk of avoidable disputes later.
A lady looking forlorn with her hands together on a table top while talking to another lady.

Employee Relations & Workplace Issues

Managing underperformance

Underperformance is easier to deal with when it is addressed early. A clear and fair approach can help employees improve and reduce the risk of formal disputes later.
A man sitting alone at a large desk in a bright office holding his chin and typing on a laptop.

Employee Relations & Workplace Issues

Managing redundancies

Redundancies need to be handled with care, from early planning through to consultation and what happens afterwards. The right support can reduce risk and help protect trust.
A young man wearing a brown jumper sitting at a desk looking upset.

Employee Relations & Workplace Issues

Handling grievances

A fair grievance process helps employers deal with concerns properly, reduce tension and reach practical outcomes without making matters worse.
Lady and man in a meeting looking down at a worksheet.

Employee Relations & Workplace Issues

Using mediation at work

Employment mediation can help employers deal with workplace conflict early, reduce the need for formal processes and support more constructive working relationships.
Two men looking stern over a desk.

Employee Relations & Workplace Issues

Getting appeals right

A fair appeal process gives employees the chance to challenge a decision and gives employers the opportunity to review matters properly before issues escalate.
Two ladies smiling at each other while sitting at a dining room table in a home.

Absence, Health & Wellbeing

Understanding welfare meetings during sickness absence

Welfare meetings can help employers stay in touch during sickness absence, offer support and keep conversations open without creating unnecessary pressure.
A young blonde lady with a geometric dress holding a coffee mug, talking to a colleague.

Absence, Health & Wellbeing

The benefits of engaging occupational health

Occupational health can help employers manage absence more confidently, support employees properly and make fair, informed decisions about adjustments and return to work.
A young lady lying on a sofa at home, blowing her nose.

Absence, Health & Wellbeing

Managing short and long‑term sickness

Sickness absence is one of those areas of people management where good intentions can sometimes lead to poor outcomes.
A young lady sitting in a dimly lit room sitting on a sofa while looking out of the window.

Employee Relations & Workplace Issues

How to support employees with mental health issues

Mental health is not the taboo it used to be. But that doesn’t mean all employers understand the importance of how to manage mental health among employees.
A man pushing a large boulder up a hill.

Employee Relations & Workplace Issues

What HR challenge are businesses facing?

As well as recruiting, retaining talent is a big concern for business. Recruitment is one of the biggest costs for companies. Retaining the best talent is, therefore, crucial in economically-challenging times.
A man holding his nose in frustration sitting at a desk.

Employee Relations & Workplace Issues

How to handle conflict at work

Conflict between supervisors and employees often starts through the power imbalance between supervisors and those in their team. Tension builds up over job duties and expectations.
A young man on a video call with colleagues at home.

Employee Relations & Workplace Issues

5 ways to engage with teams working remotely

Keeping your team connected across different locations is more than just arranging extra Zoom or Teams calls. It’s about creating consistency, building trust and knowing how to spot problems early.