Performance management in small businesses, why bother?
Thursday, September 1, 2011
This is the first in a series of articles looking at performance management in small businesses. Before examining how performance management in a small business might work, I thought it would first be worthwhile identifying why on earth a busy small... Read More
Contracts of employment - why a good one is one of the best investments a small business can make
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
A well drafted contract will guide business owners in managing their staff effectively, avoid as far as possible problems arising in the employment relationship and deal with them quickly and effectively when they do. Contract of employment -the basics As... Read More
Why legal cover from HR providers is bad for small businesses
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Many providers of HR services to small businesses offer some kind of legal insurance or guarantee, usually along the lines of guaranteeing to pay your costs at a tribunal or to represent you themselves at no cost. Sounds great, right? Peace of mind? Or is... Read More
Employment law changes - what's the deal?
Monday, June 13, 2011
There have been some announcements by the government recently about changes to some major elements of employment law, and I am regularly asked for clarification on what exactly might be involved. So here we go; a brief plain English summary of the proposals... Read More
5 easy steps to understanding the Bribery Act for small businesses
Sunday, May 8, 2011
1. What exactly is ‘bribery’? Bribery is basically giving someone a financial or other advantage in order to encourage them to do something they shouldn’t. That would include trying to influence a decision-maker to give you a contract or... Read More
10 easy steps to understanding the Agency Workers Regulations for small businesses
Sunday, May 8, 2011
1. Which staff do the Regulations cover? If you have staff who are employed by or through an agency working in your business under your supervision, they will be covered. Their contract is with the agency. Staff who were supplied by an agency initially... Read More
Top 10 Tips For Dealing With Problem Absence
Thursday, May 5, 2011
I frequently get asked about the best way to deal with sickness absence. Most of my clients are small businesses who prefer not to have very bureaucratic procedures to follow and have quite personal relationships with their staff, making formal or... Read More
Top Ten Employment Law Myths
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Top Ten Employment Law Myths With regular changes to legislation employers often get confused about what they can and can’t do. With that in mind, here are my Top Ten common myths about employment law. 1. It’s illegal to give a... Read More
Dealing With Snowy Days
Friday, December 3, 2010
This week I’ve been getting lots of questions about how to deal with ‘snow days’ when staff do not come into work because of the weather, so I’m addressing some of them here. Do I need to pay employees who don’t come in... Read More
Christmas Party Pitfalls
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
According to a recent survey two thirds of employers do not have a policy in place setting out standards of acceptable employee behaviour at their Christmas party. Those employers responding to the survey who had experienced problems at their last... Read More