HR Tip: Bullying boss with no HR officer
A bullying boss who shouts, humiliates, and makes employees cry creates a serious workplace problem with legal consequences. Without an HR officer, employees can escalate concerns through a colleague, direct conversation, senior management, or legal action, as bullying behavior risks constructive dismissal claims, stress lawsuits, and criminal charges.
HRO: Out of the question? By Dan Martin
HR outsourcing (HRO) is increasingly popular among companies seeking cost-effective operations, with 30% of UK firms and 90% of FTSE 100 companies outsourcing HR elements. Supporters argue HRO streamlines processes and frees resources for strategic work, while critics warn of lost control and potential job cuts.
All you need is love: Handling workplace romances. By Charles Price
Workplace romances are common, with nearly 70 percent of employees having experienced office relationships. Barrister Charles Price examines how employers should handle co-worker romance, including controversial “love contracts” that offer little legal protection in the UK.
School curriculum aims to meet employers’ needs
New curriculum proposals for 11-14 year-olds aim to develop employer-valued skills like initiative, enterprise and independent learning alongside traditional academics. Changes include greater emphasis on spoken English, practical maths applications like personal finance, and economically useful languages such as Mandarin and Urdu.
Colborn’s corner: Who’s watching?
Recent Big Brother controversies around racism and bullying raise important questions for HR professionals: should workplace cultures better address these issues through clear policies, fair investigation procedures, and employee empowerment rather than policing political correctness?
Don’t let Valentine’s Day turn into a nightmare
Employers are legally responsible for preventing Valentine’s Day workplace harassment, including unwanted cards, messages, or attention that creates a hostile environment. Failing to address complaints can result in liability, so implement clear policies and take formal action when misconduct occurs.
Useless middle management costs UK plc £220 billion a year
Poor middle management is costing UK businesses £220 billion annually in lost productivity, according to research by Hay Group. The study found that 40% of British directors view middle management as their greatest barrier to achieving company objectives, citing inadequate skills and lack of commitment to strategic goals.
Benefits measurement essential to justify spend
Many organizations fail to measure how pay and benefits contribute to business success, leaving HR professionals unable to justify increased spending or strategic changes. According to the CIPD’s 2007 Reward Survey, only 23 percent link reward measurements to business data, despite two-fifths planning to boost benefit spending.
Ask the expert: Email monitoring
Companies can monitor employee emails to investigate suspected information leaks without obtaining further consent, provided a clear email monitoring policy is already in place and employees have been notified. However, monitoring must be limited in scope, duration, and access, with captured information retained only as necessary for the investigation.
Dealing with persistent short term absences. By Charles Price
Learn how employers can fairly manage persistent short-term absences while avoiding unfair dismissal and discrimination claims. Barrister Charles Price explains the legal framework, fair dismissal procedures, and ACAS guidance for handling chronic absenteeism in the workplace.
Beneficial contractual change rules in TUPE transfers enforceable
The Employment Appeal Tribunal ruled that employees can enforce beneficial contractual changes made following a TUPE transfer, even if those changes were contingent on the transfer itself. This means workers can challenge detrimental terms while also enforcing favorable ones, provided the overall package remains protective of their interests.
Workplace deaths: coroners to get greater powers
The government will give coroners greater powers to prevent workplace deaths by requiring organizations to respond to their reports and explain what actions they’ll take. A new chief coroner role will monitor responses, with annual reports to Parliament, following a successful model used in Australia.
The HR Zone/IT Zone guide to payroll services and software. By John Stokdyk
Explore payroll software and service options for UK businesses, from enterprise solutions to SME providers. This comprehensive guide covers corporate outsourcers, integrated HR/payroll systems, online SaaS platforms, and specialist payroll bureaux to help companies choose the right supplier for their PAYE filing needs.
Can you have a Global Payroll System?
Most organizations use multiple local payroll providers rather than true global solutions. While some vendors claim to offer global payroll systems, few deliver comprehensive coverage across all tax jurisdictions, making it difficult for companies with employees in multiple countries to consolidate operations effectively.
Interview SOS – Involving staff in the recruitment process
Involving employees in recruitment can improve staff retention and team support for new hires. To make this process effective and legally sound, organizations should use competency-based frameworks, clearly define roles, train staff properly, and ensure genuine employee participation in structured selection decisions.
Managing international assignments
Up to 40 percent of international assignments fail to deliver expected results, often due to inadequate cross-cultural training and support. Understanding local culture and business practices is essential for expatriate managers to succeed abroad and avoid costly delays in achieving organizational goals.
Call for equal rights for agency workers
Trade unions are campaigning for an equal rights bill that would give temporary agency workers the same wages, sick pay, and holiday entitlements as directly-employed staff. Labour MPs are being asked to back the Temporary Agency Workers Bill, though business groups warn it could reduce flexibility in the UK labour market.
Slippers hide a serious problem
Research reveals that 17 percent of people experience daily stress, with money now the leading cause. The Samaritans’ study shows stress drives substance abuse, sleep disruption, and irritability, while employers face legal obligations to protect employee wellbeing.
Google: Recruiting and developing top talent. By Sarah Fletcher
Google’s HR director explains the company’s rigorous recruitment strategy, requiring candidates to pass minimum four interviews with unanimous approval. Senior staff dedicate 30 percent of their time to hiring, and the company employs 300 dedicated recruiters to ensure only the best talent joins their workforce.
HR Tip: Persistent absenteeism
Address persistent absenteeism patterns by discussing the reasons with employees and documenting the pattern of suspicious absences. You can take disciplinary action based on the pattern itself, without requiring proof the absences weren’t genuine, as long as you’ve thoroughly explored their explanations.
