Good employee relations do not just happen. They are built. For UK employers, especially in growing SMEs, understanding and applying employee relations best practice is essential to avoiding unnecessary disputes and creating a culture where people actually want to work. In this guide, we explore employee relations best practice for UK employers, offering practical steps
In retail, first impressions matter, and not just for customers. New starters also make a big impression in their first few weeks. That’s why probation periods in retail are such a critical tool for managing early performance, assessing fit, and improving retention from day one. At its core, a probation period is a trial run.
There’s no denying that peak trading periods like Christmas, summer sales or major promotions bring pressure. Teams are stretched, customer expectations are high, and your managers are doing their best to keep everything running. It’s often during these times that retail staff performance issues start to surface. Why Problems Peak When It’s Busiest Even your
Sexual harassment at work is a serious issue. It affects not only individual wellbeing but also company culture, productivity and reputation. Too often, organisations take action only after a complaint has been made, when the damage has already been done. The most effective approach is preventative, and that is where UK sexual harassment training plays
When sensitive workplace issues arise, such as underperformance, conduct concerns or possible redundancy, employers are often unsure how to start an honest conversation with an employee without creating unnecessary risk. This is where a protected conversation can be a valuable option. It provides a framework for confidential discussions that cannot usually be used in an
Bullying and victimisation in the workplace are two of the most common but often misunderstood issues employers face. Bullying is not just raised voices or the occasional disagreement. It is persistent behaviour that humiliates, intimidates, or undermines an employee. Victimisation occurs when someone is treated unfairly for raising a concern or supporting a colleague who
The Government’s Employment Rights Bill is set to bring sweeping changes to UK employment law. With a phased rollout from April 2026 through to 2027, employers must prepare now to avoid costly compliance missteps. Here’s what you need to know and what your business should be doing to get ahead. What is the Employment Rights
“What is a settlement agreement?” is a question more and more employers are asking, as we’ve supported countless businesses with managing people out of their organisation. Recently, we’ve seen a growing use of settlement agreements to conclude matters in a way that enables employees to leave with dignity, while helping employers avoid lengthy internal employee
Many of us will have seen countless grievances, complaints, impossible working relationships and personality clashes at work. I expect we have all seen the effects these can bring about too – negative tension, stress, despair, poor morale, demotivated staff, increased sick absence levels and decreased productivity. Try some Workplace Mediation as medication! Finding A Resolution
As any manager knows, one of the most important aspects of maintaining a productive, efficient, and cohesive team is ensuring that all employees are present, engaged, and able to contribute fully. Sickness absence, while inevitable, can be a challenge for managers. Yet, when managed properly, it can be addressed in a way that minimises disruption
