Allowing employees to work from abroad | The legal considerations for HR
A few years ago, the idea of working from anywhere in the world seemed like a pipe dream. As we’ve seen in 2022 however, the growing prevalence of remote work has made it a real […]
Workplace Secret Santa | 3 HR Strategies to Minimise Legal Risks
A well-loved tradition in workplaces up and down the country, Secret Santa can bring a bit of light-hearted fun between colleagues and an opportunity for team bonding over the festive period. But for HR professionals, trusting […]
How to avoid HR disasters at the work Christmas party
Damaged property, bruised egos, physical injury and questionable conduct…the list of things that can and do go wrong at the annual work Christmas party is long and varied! While Christmas parties can be a great […]
Q&A on Managing Menopause in the Workplace
Up to a third of women will experience severe menopausal symptoms that can impact on their quality of life. It is in the work context that employees often report greater difficulty in managing symptoms and […]
Managing employees’ drug and alcohol use during the cost of living crisis
From the pandemic to the cost of living crisis, the upheaval of the last two years has taken a toll on people’s mental health, and provided a perfect breeding ground for drug and alcohol abuse. […]
A Guide to Right to Work Checks in the UK
There have been several changes to right to work checks in recent years. In this blog, ESP Solicitor’s immigration specialist solicitor, Charlotte Ashton, summarises the key updates for employers. During the pandemic, the government introduced […]
Are employees automatically entitled to a day off for the Queen’s funeral?
Are employees automatically entitled to a day off for the Queen’s funeral? Whilst the nation is going through a period of mourning in light of Queen Elizabeth II’s recent death, thoughts turn to her state […]
5 tips for dealing with difficult employees
Dealing with difficult employees is a common yet complex aspect of workplace management. It requires a strategic approach, empathy, and sometimes tough decisions. In fact, according to a WorkNest survey, a staggering 63% of employers […]
The practicalities of employing and dismissing apprentices
Organisations employ apprentices for any number of reasons, with one of the primary considerations being the potential for cost savings given that a lower minimum wage applies specifically for apprentices aged under 19, or aged […]
A guide to Scale-up Worker visa routes for employers
The Scale-up Worker visa, available since August 2022, allows for a more flexible visa option subject to eligibility criteria. What is the Scale-up Worker visa? The Scale-up Worker visa is a points-based route for talented […]
Division, discrimination and bullying | The hybrid working challenges still to be addressed
No one could have predicted the way in which the pandemic has undoubtedly changed the world of work – some would say for the better, others would say for the worse. Whatever your stance, in […]
Harpur Trust v Brazel | Supreme Court confirms pro-rating holiday pay for part-year workers is unlawful
The long-awaited decision of the Supreme Court in the holiday entitlement and pay case of Harpur Trust v Brazel has now arrived. The facts are straightforward – Ms Brazel is a music teacher employed on a permanent […]
Focus on… grievances
From time-to-time employees will be unhappy about various issues relating to their work. When an employee raises a complaint, it’s essential that employers recognise them and know how to handle them. This is particularly important […]
The lunchtime lockdown with… Sarah Bunker
As a firm which places Employee Relations (ER) at our heart, we are proud of the amazing team here at esphr. That is why our current employee Q&A seeks to share a little more about […]
Industrial action – New legislation laid before Parliament
With rail workers recently staging strikes across the country and other sectors set to follow suit this summer, employers are naturally concerned by the increasing prevalence of industrial action and strikes affecting their business. Whether […]