This probably isn’t how you expected your new hire to start. You’ve just recruited someone you really wanted. They’ve got the skills, the attitude and felt like a strong addition to the business. Then, during onboarding, they let you know that they’ve been managing a long-term condition that may affect their attendance at times

Most businesses say they don’t have an HR budget. What they usually mean is that they don’t have a planned one. In reality, most businesses are already spending money on HR. They just don’t think of it that way. HR costs tend to show up reactively. A grievance that needs handling.

Handling conflict isn’t how you want to spend your time or energy. Two employees aren’t getting on. It’s awkward, distracting and pulling you into something you didn’t create and don’t particularly want to referee.

Working time rules can feel complicated, especially when you are managing rotas, covering sickness and trying to keep the business running smoothly. The Working Time Regulations are there to protect your business as much as your team.

What every employer needs to know about suspension When you have an issue with an employee, suspending them might feel like the right action. However, you need to be 100% sure that this is legally compliant or you could leave yourself wide open to an expensive tribunal claim.

Poor performance is one of the hardest issues to deal with as a business owner. You rely on your team to keep things running and when someone is not delivering it affects productivity, morale and your own time too.