HR & Employment Law Insights

We have seen an increase in the number of queries coming from clients since returning to work after the new year break. One of the main topics we are being asked about is what to do in the event of a shortage of work. Some businesses are experiencing a downturn, or...

In these uncertain and difficult financial times, many employers are facing significant financial pressures, and are looking at ways to cut costs. Therefore, they might be considering making redundancies in order to reduce headcount and costs. It's important that you...

Performance management is the process of a manager and their direct reports agreeing on a set of goals, as well as how the employee should be measured against targets. It’s key that the goals are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely).  ...

It's important for employees to build relationships with each other and have good rapport. However, when office banter crosses the line to bullying in the workplace, this is a serious problem.   Everyone has a different sense of humour and something that one...

If you are wondering Should Salary be Included in a job advert, you've come to the right place. Many employers are reluctant to post salary in a job description as they are concerned it may reduce their pool of talent. However, in our experience, it's the complete...

We are helping a lot of businesses lately with how to manage redundancies effectively. This is a difficult situation for everyone however, we believe in helping businesses do the right thing. It's important as an employer that you look after your employees even after...

A people strategy is a business plan to attract, train, engage, grow, compensate and retain its workforce. This type of HR plan will vary depending on the size of the business, the culture and the business goals. However, the objective should be the same. To set out...

The Real Living Wage is a voluntary wage rate based on the cost of living. The rate is currently £12.60 across the UK and £13.85 in London. This is compared to the national minimum wage set by the government which is currently £11.44.  According to the Living Wage...

We are excited to introduce you to our fantastic new HR Advisor, Hazel Booden. Hazel joined our HR Edinburgh team in September and since then, has been working closely with our clients and HR consultants Edinburgh.   Hazel has worked in HR for over 7 years and...

An employee wellbeing strategy is a well thought out plan of action that makes your company a healthier and happier place to work. Investing in wellbeing for staff can enhance team morale, reduce sickness absence, improve communication, increase productivity and much...

All employers in the UK have a duty to prevent illegal working. This can be done by carrying out right to work checks on individuals before employing them to make sure they are permitted to work in the UK.   Documents that must be checked as part of this...

When it comes to HR, many business owners often sway between deciding on outsourcing HR services or hiring an employee to take care of HR in-house. As an Human Resources Consultancy business, we are obviously biased. However, we acknowledge that outsourcing HR may not...

Following the Queen’s death on Thursday, a 10-day mourning period has started and will end on the day of the her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II funeral, which will take place on Monday 19 September 2022. It was announced on Saturday that the day of the state funeral, the...

An employee engagement survey provides you with honest feedback and a clear measure of your employee's engagement. It also offers data needed to resolve issues to create a happier and healthier workplace. It's important to complete these surveys regularly throughout...

It’s not out of the ordinary for Edinburgh to command attention this time of year with the Fringe Comedy festival in full force. Hilarious, exciting, captivating are usually the words used to describe the city in August. Unfortunately, rubbish was on the top of...

The Supreme Court ruled last week that part-year workers are entitled to 5.6 weeks' statutory holiday pay in the case of Harpur Trust V Brazel. The ruling meant that any staff who have a part-year or term time only contract, should have their holiday pay calculated...

With the Great Resignation showing no signs of slowing down, boomerang employees has become a popular trend for 2022. A boomerang employee is a member of staff who is returning to a job or business they previously left.   There are many reasons why an employee...