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In Brief: A Practical Guide to Settlement Agreements A settlement agreement is a legally binding way for UK employers and employees to end an employment relationship on agreed terms, offering certainty, confidentiality and reduced legal risk. In return for compensation and other agreed benefits, the…

In Brief: Employment Status Explained Employment status determines an individual’s legal rights and an employer’s responsibilities in the UK. There are three main categories – employee, worker and self-employed – and status depends on the reality of the relationship, not just the contract. Employees receive…

In Brief: What is a Disciplinary at Work? A disciplinary at work is a formal employer-led process used to manage employee misconduct, poor performance, or breaches of company policies. In UK workplaces, disciplinary procedures must follow a fair and structured approach, including investigation, a disciplinary…

In Brief: Redundancy Rules for Employers UK employers must follow a fair and reasonable redundancy process, even when making fewer than 20 redundancies. A genuine business reason must be identified and clearly explained, with employees placed formally “at risk” and consulted meaningfully before any final…

In Brief: Understanding TUPE for UK Businesses TUPE is the UK legislation that protects employees when the business or service they work for moves to a new employer. It ensures staff transfer automatically with their existing terms, conditions, and continuity of service unchanged. For employers,…

A staff handbook is one of the most important documents a business can have. Whether you’re a small start-up or a large organisation, a well-crafted handbook provides clarity, ensures legal compliance, and helps employees understand your workplace culture and expectations. But what exactly is a…

Driving Performance and Retention Employee engagement is a critical driver of business success. Engaged employees are more productive, committed, and likely to stay with your business, directly impacting your bottom line. For employers, understanding the factors that influence engagement is essential. One of the most…

Overtime is a common aspect of UK workplaces, but misunderstanding overtime laws in the UK and related regulations can create legal risks and affect your bottom line. For employers, it’s essential to understand overtime pay, wages and overtime, and how your contracts of employment govern…

Hiring people is one of the biggest responsibilities a business owner faces. Whether you’re a small start-up or a growing SME, getting the basics right when employing staff is essential. At the heart of this lies one of the most important legal and practical tools…

What They Are and Why They’re the Most Important Step in Recruitment and Onboarding. Recruitment is one of the biggest investments your business will ever make. Finding, hiring, and onboarding the right person costs both time and money - and can make or break the…

Introduction the Consultation Process Redundancy is one of the most difficult situations an organisation can face. It impacts individuals deeply and can also affect morale, trust, and productivity across the wider team. For employers, handling redundancy fairly, legally, and sensitively is critical. A central part…

Staff Appraisals Explained  Every organisation wants to get the best out of its people. A key part of making that happen is having a consistent way of checking in, reviewing performance, and supporting development. This is where staff appraisals come in. Done well, they can…

A Practical Guide for Employers At Wright People HR, we’re often asked about the best way to manage the probationary period for employment. It’s a critical stage in any new hire’s journey and, when handled correctly, sets the tone for a positive, productive working relationship.…

Laying the Foundation for HR Success At Wright People HR, we know that great businesses are built on great people - and those people need clarity, structure, and support. One of the most powerful ways to achieve this is through clear, compliant, and consistent human…

In today’s fast-paced, ever-evolving business environment, HR outsourcing services have become more than just a trend - they’re a strategic solution for businesses of all sizes. At Wright People HR, we’ve worked with countless clients across industries who faced the same challenges: growing compliance requirements,…

As HR consultants, we're frequently asked to advise on whether a particular offence constitutes gross misconduct. It's a critical distinction - one that can significantly impact how disciplinary issues are managed and the risks involved in getting it wrong. Drawing on our experience supporting clients…

Running a small business is no small feat. Whether you’re scaling up a start-up, managing a growing team, or wearing multiple hats as a founder, the people side of the business can often be the most complex - and the most important. That’s where HR…

Disciplinary action at work is something most employers and employees hope to avoid - but sometimes, it’s necessary to resolve serious issues, protect the business, and ensure fair and consistent standards are maintained. As HR consultants, we’re often asked by employers: “What is a disciplinary…

Poor performance in the workplace doesn’t just affect individual productivity—it has ripple effects. When performance is poor, teams can feel frustrated, workloads become imbalanced, and a sense of inequity may emerge. For managers and leaders, handling poor performance requires a thoughtful, consistent, and fair approach—one…

Do you ever feel like you're constantly chasing time? You start the day with a to-do list, but somehow, between checking emails, bouncing from one meeting to another, answering urgent calls, and giving team feedback, the list only gets longer. There just never seems to…

Introduction Workforce reorganisation can be a necessary process for a business brought on by a number of circumstances, adapting to market changes, financial challenges, or strategic shifts. A redundancy restructure plays a crucial role in maintaining operational efficiency while ensuring compliance with employment laws and ethical practices.…

When workplace incidents occur, an effective HR investigation process will ensure that all concerns are addressed fairly, compliantly and professionally, whilst retaining an positive work environment.. In this blog, we will explore the key steps in the investigation process including what happens after an investigation…

Performance appraisals are a critical part of managing and developing employees, yet they are often seen as a dreaded, bureaucratic process that adds little real value. When done right, appraisals will elevate a team’s performance, drive engagement, and ensure alignment between individual contributions and business…

The way businesses manage probation periods is about to change, and if you haven’t reviewed your process recently, now is the time. With the UK government introducing new employment rights from day one, it’s never been more important to ensure your probation process is both…

Employee engagement is the heartbeat of any successful business. It’s the invisible thread connecting happy, motivated employees with your goals, productivity, and overall success. In today’s competitive business landscape, understanding and improving employee engagement is no longer optional - it’s essential. Our Employee Engagement Model at Wright…

As 2025 approaches, employers must prepare for a wave of significant employment law changes. From National Insurance increases to overhauls in employment rights, navigating the shifting legal landscape will be no small feat. For SMEs, the challenge is particularly steep. That’s why in this blog…

Clear and effective objective setting is the cornerstone of success. Objectives guide employees, align teams, and drive personal and business performance. Yet, many leaders and managers do not set effective objectives for their people. Also, not all objectives are created equal. Understanding the difference between…

The Labour Party’s New Deal for Working People is an agenda aimed at the creation of fairer workplaces, stronger worker rights, and addressing the inequities in pay and job security. For some businesses, the proposals could mean significant changes in the way they manage employees,…

Managing investigations and disciplinary processes is one of the most sensitive and challenging responsibilities in any organisation. Done well, these processes can reinforce a fair and respectful workplace, helping to maintain trust and morale among your team. However, if mishandled, they can lead to employee…

In today’s workplace, mental health is a crucial issue that employers cannot afford to ignore. As awareness of mental health grows, so does the need for businesses to address related challenges, particularly when it comes to employee absenteeism. Absences due to mental health issues can…

Employees who work hard deserve to be rewarded. So how do you balance the expectations of your team with the financial realities of the business. It's tricky. That’s why we’ve written a comprehensive guide through this blog. Understanding the Importance of Pay Rise Requests Pay…

“One bad apple spoils the barrel” Managing a team is no easy task, and even the most cohesive groups can occasionally face challenges due to a difficult employee. Addressing such issues promptly and effectively is crucial to maintaining a productive and harmonious workplace, and to…

Understanding Grievances We assuming that you’re reading this blog for advice on how to handle an existing grievance. You’ve come to the right place. Help is at hand. We’ll provide you with the guidance on how to address an existing grievance with effective resolution strategies.…

Performance management is a critical process for any business aiming to develop and grow. However, the road to effective performance management is often tricky. Whether it’s appraisals, reviews, one-on-ones, or check-ins, businesses can struggle to implement these processes well. Too often, they become tick-box exercises…

Probationary Reviews – the superhero of the hiring process Picture this: You’ve just hired someone, and you’re eager to see them flourish in their new role. You’re crossing your fingers, hoping for the best. But as life would have it, things don’t always unfold as…

In the dynamic landscape of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the role of managers is pivotal in driving sustainability and growth. While SME owners often wear multiple hats and play a hands-on role in day-to-day operations, developing capable and effective managers is essential for scaling…

Introduction: As we approach April 6, 2024, a significant shift is on the horizon for employers in the UK with the introduction of new flexible working laws. This blog serves as a comprehensive guide for employers, offering insights and practical steps to navigate the upcoming…

Key man risk refers to the potential threat a company faces when a crucial employee, often a key executive or expert, is no longer available. This risk is prevalent in many organizations, and its impact can be profound. In this  post, we'll delve into what…

Introduction Running a small business is like conducting a symphony – each instrument playing a crucial role, but sometimes, conflicts can create dissonance. In this guide tailored for small business owners, we'll delve into effective strategies for managing conflicts, ensuring your business continues to produce…

In the fast-paced world of business, retaining top talent is like holding onto a shining star. These are the employees who consistently go above and beyond, driving your company to success. However, with competition for the best professionals at an all-time high, retaining them is…

Employee Dismissal: Essential Guidelines Employee dismissal is a challenging aspect of managing a business. Handling it poorly can lead to legal issues, damage employee morale, and harm your company's reputation. In this guide, we'll explore the essential dos and don'ts of dismissing an employee while…

Company culture is a vital aspect that directly influences a company’s success and employee satisfaction. Company culture encompasses the shared values, beliefs, behaviours, and practices that define a company's identity. This blog delves into the significance of company culture, why it matters, and actionable strategies…

Sexual harassment seems to be leading the news these days. Allegations in big business include the CBI, BBC and Tesco. Sexual harassment in our experience is not confined to big business. It remains a pervasive issue in all workplaces, including those of SMEs,  causing immense…

Why are probationary periods important? Probationary periods serve as a critical phase in the employer-employee relationship, offering employers a valuable opportunity to assess new hires' suitability for the job. Effectively managing this period can lead to long-term success by ensuring the right fit and nurturing…

Leadership plays a pivotal role in the success of any business. As an aspiring or existing business owner, it’s essential to recognise that your leadership style directly impacts your organisation’s growth and culture. To truly excel as a leader, it’s crucial to identify and eliminate…

In our experience, most HR decisions are made, at best, with the gut and, at worst, with emotion. Using HR data, on the other hand, means that better objective decisions are possible, decisions that make employees happier and increase their productivity, as well as increase…

The world of work continues to change (and will continue to do so). Probably the biggest change in recent times has been the move to Hybrid working. The landscape has changed, whether you want it to or not! Data from Investors in People shows 59%…

Growing a business from the ground up is no mean feat and taking on more employees is certainly cause for celebration. But why is it that new problems start to arise as new people come into the business? Something strange happens, often between the 10-25…

What is a performance review? When you employ and manage people, it’s important for you to provide regular feedback. This is typically done during a performance review but shouldn’t be restricted to that. Feedback should be continuous. You might call them annual reviews, personal development…

As a business owner or manager, it’s likely that you’re already somewhat familiar with what company culture means. However, your interpretation of the term may differ to others. That’s because there really is a lot to company culture. It encompasses so much of what you…

When your business employs people, it’s inevitable that at some point you may need to take disciplinary action and follow a disciplinary procedure. If you find yourself in this position, it’s vital you have an effective disciplinary procedure that complies with both employment law and…

What should you be doing to create an inclusive business? Though compared to 10 years ago, we’ve come on leaps and bounds when it comes to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, there’s still work to be done. And the best place to start is…

Absence management encourages you to look at the ways you can decrease the amount of unplanned absence that occurs in your business. We say decrease, because it’s unavoidable that sometimes employees will need to take time off for illness (either their own, or someone in…

Branding is the combination of the image you put out to the world, along with your values and beliefs, your product or service, and the way you interact with people. These things all combine to create a feeling in people that gives them an impression…

Time management – or lack of it – is the biggest killer to workforce productivity. So much so, that one of most popular training courses is time management. When we deliver this course, the biggest challenge that comes up for employers is that of mobile…

We’re all about helping ambitious businesses, like yours, to develop through their people. We believe that people are your business’ most important asset and if they grow, your business grows. At the very heart of this is getting the foundations right. We know it’s a…

Recruitment Tips - How to Recruit Successfully You know exactly how difficult it can be to find the best person for the job! There’s so much to consider: their skills and experience, their attitude and personality - not to mention how much it might cost…

How Can HR Save your Business Money? With the cost of living rising dramatically, chances are your business needs to look at expenditure too. Inflation rose to 9% in April. It’s now at the highest it’s been for 30 years, and it doesn’t look like…

A quick checklist for busy business owners At Wright People HR, we’re all about helping ambitious businesses to scale through their people. We believe that people are any business’s most important asset and, if they grow, your business will also grow At the very heart…

The move to home or remote working and hybrid working, for employers and employees alike, has changed expectations across the board. Whatever the arrangements in your business, one thing is clear in our experience: the way you manage your teams’ performance needs to change. It’s becoming…

It goes without saying that the Covid created the greatest workplace transformation of our lifetime, quickly changing the way you and your teamwork. And possibly forever. Within a week, businesses like yours had to quickly adapt to working remotely. But on the whole, it’s likely…

In this blog we take a look at the role of HR in a disciplinary hearing, but we also cover how HR can help before you get there. Because without those prior steps you’re unable to run an effective disciplinary hearing. And, moreover, those steps…

HR software is becoming popular among small and medium sized businesses, and rightly so, as it improves efficiency and delivers a better employer experience.  But HR is too often seen as an administrative problem, concerned with booking leave and monitoring sickness – and whilst HR…

Do you know the difference between the two? Do you know how to handle either situation effectively?  Do you know how to do both compliantly? In our experience, many businesses get this wrong. Getting it wrong, means, at best, as the situation is not dealt…

Recently, we’ve been inundated with requests at Wright People HR to review and renew Employment Contracts with small and medium businesses. An Employment Contract is something that is simple to get wrong, but also easy to get right, if you know what you’re doing -…

In simple terms, absenteeism arises when an employee is absent regularly for no apparent good reason. This does not include paid leave or unpredictable personal issues. Many organisations, though not all, have some sort of absence management plan – or absence management policy – in…

“Feedback is the breakfast of champions,” is a quote often attributed to Ken Blanchard, author, speaker, management expert, and business consultant. I thought this would be a great quote to build on in this blog post. As we all know, breakfast is the most important…

A probationary period is a great tool for a business to use because they allow you to assess if a new hire is a good fit before making a long-term commitment. During this time, it’s up to the employee to prove that they will be…

Redundancy can sometimes be tricky to navigate, especially when you’re the owner of the business and the redundancy can affect you personally in a whole host of different ways. It may mean “goodbye” to someone who you’ve long considered to be part of the family…

If you ask anyone who works in HR or as a Human Resource Consultant, they should tell you that a successful HR strategy is one that brings together the right people, processes, systems and culture to form a strategic HR plan that achieves business objectives…

HR doesn't have to be scary. Give your employees the support and understanding they need to do their best work, and your managers the leadership and motivation they need to build success in your business. How does HR support employees? Well, it’s actually quite complicated!…