HR Guides
Practical HR guidance for UK small businesses
Real advice on the things that keep business owners up at night — dismissals, sickness, grievances, new employment law, and when you need a solicitor.
Employment Rights Act 2025 — what do employers need to do?
The biggest shake-up in UK employment law for years is rolling out across 2026–27. Unfair dismissal after six months, uncapped compensation, day-one family rights. Here is what actually needs to change in your business.
Everyday HRCan I dismiss someone for poor performance in the UK?
Yes — but not by having a word on Monday and sacking them on Friday. Here is the step-by-step process that keeps you on the right side of a tribunal, including how ERA 2025 changes the stakes.
Everyday HREmployee off sick — what can I do as an employer?
Few things spike stress like an open-ended sick note. You have rights and options — but get it wrong and you are in unfair dismissal or disability discrimination territory. Here is what to do.
Everyday HRHow to handle a grievance as a small business (UK)
An employee just put in a grievance and you are staring at words like "bullying" and "harassment". Mishandle it and a tribunal can uplift compensation by 25%. Here is how small businesses run a fair process.
When you need BonsaiI gave shares to my employee but didn't get a shareholders' agreement — what now?
You wanted to reward a star, so you gave them shares. Now it is not working out and you have effectively married them without a prenup. Here are your options.
When you need BonsaiShould I make my star employee a director?
They are brilliant, loyal, and the business would be in trouble without them. But "director" is not just a fancy job title — it comes with legal power you might not mean to hand over.
Got a situation and not sure where to start?
Send us the details, let us talk, and we will formulate the plan. No pressure, no hard sell — just an honest conversation about what is going on and how we can help.