Conflict resolution | Is now the hour for mediation?
For some time now, individual mediation has been touted as the next big thing in conflict resolution. Yet, the uptake, particularly for workplace disputes, has been lower than expected. This is surprising given it is […]
Tougher compliance rules for Student Sponsors: what education providers need to know
The UK Government’s new immigration white paper outlines a series of planned reforms aimed at reducing net migration and tightening UK border controls. While much of the attention has focused on the impact to work […]
Immigration white paper – what it means for the care sector
The adult social care sector has long faced significant recruitment challenges, with providers struggling to fill vital roles amid growing demand. These difficulties have been compounded by a series of immigration reforms in 2024 and […]
What the 2025 immigration white paper means for UK employers
Following a week of high-profile news stories, the UK Government has unveiled its Immigration White Paper, titled “Restoring Control over the Immigration System”. It sets out significant reforms that will substantially reshape how employers engage […]
Managing mental health related absence | Employers’ guide
Mental health-related absences continue to significantly impact UK workplaces. Recent data reveals that in 2023/24, approximately 16.4 million working days were lost due to work-related stress, depression, or anxiety, accounting for nearly half of all […]
Key changes to the UK Child Student Visa route in spring 2025
The UK government has introduced several significant changes to the Child Student Visa route, effective from April and May 2025. These updates aim to enhance the safeguarding of child students and streamline the visa application […]
Care sector sponsorship update: new rules from 9 April
From 9 April 2025, care sector sponsors in England must follow a new process before sponsoring overseas care workers or senior care workers. The changes aim to prioritise workers already in the UK whose employment […]
Sick pay shake-up | What HR needs to know about enhanced SSP changes
The UK government has announced significant changes to statutory sick pay (SSP) as part of its Plan to Make Work Pay, with the aim of improving workers’ rights and creating a healthier, more productive workforce. […]
New Neonatal Leave: 10 considerations for employers
From 6 April 2025, parents of babies requiring extended neonatal care will gain a new statutory right to neonatal leave. This entitlement is designed to provide financial security and job protection during what can be […]
Are you at risk of underpaying holiday entitlement this year?
With fewer bank holidays in 2024-25, some employers may unknowingly fall short of statutory leave entitlement – potentially putting organisations at risk of legal claims. If your holiday year runs from April to March, some […]
Managing short-term sickness absence | Expert tips for organisations
From understanding the causes of short-term absence to creating effective absence management policies and procedures, this blog explores how to manage short-term sickness absence and provides practical tips and guidance to help HR do so […]
5 essential requirements of a robust sickness absence policy
The words ‘sickness absence’ can strike fear into the hearts of employers and HR Professionals. It’s certainly becoming more of a pressing issue for UK organisations given the current financial pressures and a greater understanding […]
Care Sector Sponsors: important changes to the Skilled Worker route from April
Changes to the Skilled Worker route for care workers and senior care workers will come into effect from 9 April 2025. These adjustments aim to address the increasing number of workers in this pathway who […]
Managing Long Term Sickness Absence
Recent figures from the Office of National Statistics have revealed that the numbers of people not working due to long term sickness are at an all time high. Mental health issues, COVID-10 and Long COVID, […]
Switching to a Skilled Worker Visa: A guide for employers
Employers in the UK may come across a range of different visa types when employing people. While student or graduate visas may be fairly common, particularly in cities or university towns, there are also other […]