Employing & managing staff

The latest guides on employing and managing full or part time staff effectively as a small business owner or sole trader. Contains advice on employment law, health and safety at work, recruitment, training, redundancy and disciplinary information, employee rights, workplace regulations, and much more.

This section provides expert and in-depth advice articles on all aspects of staff management and human resources legislation. Our aim is to help UK small businesses to hire great employees, manage them effectively and look after them properly.

Other key topics covered in this employing staff section include team management, employee motivation, legal rights and responsibilities, managing absence, maternity pay and leave, taking on new staff, induction programmes, communication, workplace policies, flexible working, job descriptions, employment contracts and related information.

We also provide information on HR tools, templates and resources specially targeted at SMEs as well as suitable training courses and workshops that can help you get the best out of your staff to make a more efficient, more profitable, happy and productive company. Sounds good? Then read on…

How to avoid discrimination when it comes to employee dismissal

Many small businesses balk at firing staff with ‘protected characteristics’ such as religion, sexual orientation or disability. Sue Morrison offers a step-by-step guide to sensitive staff dismissal

Employing & managing staff

6 simple ways to create a healthy workplace environment

Going for long-terms solutions, valuing staff and being consistent are just three ways you can create a healthy workplace, say Karen Meager and John McLachlan

Employing & managing staff

Workplace pensions and keeping staff auto enrolled

As the increase in auto enrolment contributions to workplace pension schemes kicks in employers face a challenge in persuading employees to stay within the schemes. The benefits outweigh the time spent encouraging them.

Employing & managing staff

How to make working from anywhere seamless

An increasing number of companies have job roles that can be done remotely. Here's how to manage your mobile team – wherever they are.

Employing & managing staff

7 hiring strategy dos and don’ts for high-growth SMEs

Hiring with growth in mind is essential for your business. Hannah Dawson of Futrli explains how you should go about recruiting staff.

Employing & managing staff

Men and women bosses both discriminate over maternity leave fears

New research shows that male and female bosses both have the same reservations about hiring female staff and them taking maternity leave.

Employing & managing staff

Warning to employers not providing pensions for staff

All employers must provide workplace pensions for staff that meet the employment status and earnings criteria. If they don't they risk fines and a criminal record

Employing & managing staff

SME business owners recognise the benefits of employee benefits

Small to medium sized business owners are looking to offer staff more employee benefits according to new research

Employing & managing staff

Warning to employers not providing pensions for staff

All employers must provide workplace pensions for staff that meet the employment status and earnings criteria. If they don't they risk fines and a criminal record

Employing & managing staff

SME business owners recognise the benefits of employee benefits

Small to medium sized business owners are looking to offer staff more employee benefits according to new research

Employing & managing staff

Employee benefits terms and what they mean

Modern employee benefits terms can be confusing. Steve Edgell outlines some that employers could offer.

Employing & managing staff

Reskillling and upskilling: the key to success in the digital revolution

Helping employees to develop is crucial to business success. Olivia Parrish from Haines Watts explains what employers need to know about reskilling and upskilling their staff.

Employing & managing staff