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…

This change to the furlough scheme could lead to more costly redundancies

Jill Bottomley of The HR Dept explains how the furlough rules have changed since last year and how this could affect redundancies

Employing & managing staff

Can I make my employees get the Covid-19 vaccine?

As the Covid-19 vaccine rollout continues, we ask the experts whether employers can make it mandatory for staff to get the jab

Employing & managing staff

Zoom tips and techniques when doing video job interviews

Moving your job interviews to Zoom? Here are some tips to help you get the best from the video calling platform and hire the right candidate.

Employing & managing staff

Do I need to pay employee for travelling time?

One of my employees, who travels 50 miles each way to work, is arguing that he should get paid for travelling time. How should I proceed?

Employing & managing staff

Checklist: what should be in a job advert?

Creating a job advert can be daunting for small business owners. We explain what you need to include.

Employing & managing staff

How to tell your staff they’re working reduced hours

In light of Covid-19 and the impending Job Support Scheme, how should you tell a staff member that they’re working reduced hours?

Employing & managing staff

What should you include in an employment contract?

When you’re starting a business, employee contracts are probably the last thing on your mind. But drafting a well-written contract defangs problems down the line

Employing & managing staff

How to deal with a furloughed employee who refuses to return to work

Tribunals are expected to weigh in favour of employees who say they haven’t gone back to work because they feel unsafe during Covid-19. What can a small business owner do?

Employing & managing staff

What should you include in an employment contract?

When you’re starting a business, employee contracts are probably the last thing on your mind. But drafting a well-written contract defangs problems down the line

Employing & managing staff

How to deal with a furloughed employee who refuses to return to work

Tribunals are expected to weigh in favour of employees who say they haven’t gone back to work because they feel unsafe during Covid-19. What can a small business owner do?

Employing & managing staff

Section 44 – what if an employee won’t return to work post coronavirus?

We ask employment solcitor, Matthew Chandler, what employers should do if staff won't return to work because of coronavirus concerns.

Employing & managing staff

How do I make someone redundant? – Small business redundancy guide

Many small businesses are having to make people redundant during the coronavirus pandemic, despite government help. Employment lawyer Mike Tremeer takes you step by step through the redundancy process.

Employing & managing staff

Short-time working and lay-offs – what’s the difference?

Many small businesses are having to decide between putting staff on shorter hours or laying people off. Employment lawyer James Simpson explains the difference.

Employing & managing staff