The HR Place

April 2020 legal update

Spring may feel a long way off but it’s not too early to ensure you’re aware of the changes that are coming in April! Increase to Minimum Wage (from 1st April 2020) Rates will increase as follows: Changes to the reference period for calculating holiday pay Instead of using a reference period of 12 weeks …

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The Real Living Wage

Today’s news presents an increase to the Real Living Wage, up by 20p per hour in the capital and 30p per hour outside of London. The HR Place considers what this means for small businesses, and what changes need to be made. Do I have to increase my employees’ hourly rates now? Legally, no. You …

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How long should you stay in a job?

A friend of mine once insisted on staying in a job for a minimum of two years, even though it wasn’t working out. I understand the logic, but I don’t think it’s necessarily the right move to stay just for the sake of the dates on your CV.

Dealing with difficult conversations

As a manager, it’s harder in a way because it’s your call. You’re not just the messenger. To prepare yourself for a difficult conversation, think about the impact you believe the employee’s attitude or behaviour is having on the business and other people who work with that individual.

Five ways to a happier workforce

Wondering how to motivate people (apart from a mammoth pay rise or their own private island)? Here are five seemingly small ways to make your workplace a happier place.

Fair and Unfair Dismissal

Whilst employees in the UK can only claim unfair dismissal if they have at least 2 years’ service, it is prudent to follow the correct procedures for any employee, and particularly to note that a discrimination claim can be made regardless of length of service. Employees with less than 2 years’ service can also claim wrongful dismissal if dismissed without notice.

Managing Maternity Leave

36 per cent of the 1,106 decisionmakers who were surveyed thought it was reasonable to ask a woman about her plans to have children, with 59 per cent agreeing that a woman should have to disclose during the recruitment process whether she is pregnant.

Managing absence in INCLEMENT WEATHER

It’s difficult for employees to know what to do when the Met Office tells us to avoid “all but essential” travel, employers probably consider their attendance essential, and their friends and family are advising against making the trek.