Small Business HR

Articles and guides on HR issues for UK small business owners with advice on HR software, controlling payroll and all aspects of employing and managing staff effectively.

Business management

7 of the best HR consultancy companies in the UK

Want to outsource your HR but don't know who to go to? We've got a round-up of some of the best HR consultancy companies in the UK

Employing & managing staff

How to decide on HR policy for your small business

An HR policy sits alongside your marketing strategy and financial policy when it comes to day-to-day operations. But it’s so much more than just a set of rules and regulations, it’s a document which defines your business

Employing & managing staff

Top 10 HR tips

Donna Obstfeld of DOHR takes you step-by-step through the staff onboarding process and explains why, in today’s post-Covid workplace, regular HR appraisals feed in to communicating the company culture you want to promote

Employing & managing staff

HR for start-ups – how to get it right

Alison King outlines the key human resources considerations for small business owners starting up

Employing & managing staff

Hiring your first employee as a small business

Here are the steps you need to take before welcoming your first employee to your company

Employing & managing staff

How do bank holidays affect statutory sick pay?

I have to make an employee redundant. She has been on long-term sick leave, has three years of service, and our annual leave policy is 22 days plus all English bank holidays. Must I pay her for bank holidays while she has been off?

Accounting

National Payroll Week: How HR professionals can adapt for the future

Payroll and HR professionals have a multitude of challenges to overcome post-Covid. For small business owners, in particular, it’s important to understand these new challenges and help colleagues work to their best ability

Legal advice

Can I dismiss an employee for sending threatening text?

Two members of staff had an argument. One left the premises and I asked her not to return. She sent me a text threatening me with 'people to sort me out'. Can I dismiss her?

Employing & managing staff

Terminating a contract – what if your worker is only part-time?

We use a cleaner who comes in three to four hours during office hours on a Friday. This is no longer suitable and we have an alternative company ready to deal takeover. How to deal with terminating a part-time contract

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

When should a small business think about outsourcing HR?

Every small business needs to keep on top of HR but overstretched owners may not have the time and resources to do so. Outsourcing HR can be a flexible and cost-effective solution.

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