As your HR consultant in Ipswich, I'll explain how proper offboarding of employees protects your business from costly legal action long after an employee has left. You might assume that once an employee leaves, your legal risks end. You've processed their final pay, collected company property, and wished them well. Job done, right? Unfortunately, that's often not the case. Poor handling of an employee's exit can lead to significant headaches and costly legal claims down the l

As an expert HR consultant in Ipswich, I'll walk you through why regular reviews of your employee contracts are crucial and how to check if they're still fit for purpose. Employment contracts are probably not at the top of your mind... until a problem arises. It's easy to set up a contract when you hire someone and then forget about it - but waiting for something to go wrong can lead to trouble. Outdated contracts can cause serious headaches if job roles have changed, certain

What every employer needs to know about suspension When you have an issue with an employee, suspending them might feel like the right action. However, you need to be 100% sure that this is legally compliant or you could leave yourself wide open to an expensive tribunal claim. Here are some of the real questions we’re asked about suspension: “Is suspension the same as disciplinary action?” “Does suspending someone mean I think they’re guilty?” “Do I have to suspend people auto

As an expert HR consultant in Ipswich, I'll guide you through when and how to suspend an employee fairly and effectively during a workplace investigation. When something serious happens at work, you might immediately think about suspending an employee, hoping it will simplify a tricky situation. But it's crucial to understand that suspension isn't a default option; it's a serious step that should only be taken when absolutely necessary to protect your business, y our team, an

As an HR consultant in Ipswich, I'll walk you through the practical steps to take when an employee is absent without leave, ensuring fairness and legal compliance for your UK business. When an employee suddenly stops showing up for work without any contact, it’s more than just an inconvenience; it can be incredibly stressful and disruptive for any business owner. Acting too quickly, or without a clear process, can expose your business to unnecessary risks down the line, espec

How an HR consultant in Ipswich can help you prevent political debates from harming your business Maintaining a respectful and productive workplace can be tricky when personal views clash. These days, it feels like every news story sparks passionate debate, and workplaces aren’t immune. For small business owners, this isn’t just about uncomfortable conversations - it’s about protecting team cohesion, your company’s reputation, and avoiding potential legal issues. As an HR con

Get your HR ready for 2026 There's a lot happening in the world of employment law and HR this year... That's why I've created a simple 5-point checklist to help business owners to see where they stand: ✅ Legal foundations: Are your contracts and policies actually up to date and applied fairly? ✅ Smart systems: Still using spreadsheets for holidays or sickness? It’s time to automate that. ✅ People performance: Do you know why your best people stay, or what might make them leav

How an HR consultant in Ipswich can help you handle whistleblowing confidently and fairly When an employee raises a serious concern about wrongdoing, it can feel daunting. These aren’t everyday complaints — they can affect your reputation, your finances, and even your legal standing. But with a clear process, you can handle whistleblowing confidently and protect both your people and your business. As an HR consultant in Ipswich, I’ve supported many small business owners throu

Why speaking to an HR consultant in Ipswich can make complaint handling easier When a client raises a complaint about one of your team, it can feel uncomfortable and stressful. But with the right process in place, you can protect your relationships, your team’s morale, and your business reputation. As an HR consultant in Ipswich, I’ve worked with many business owners who’ve faced this challenge. The key is staying calm, acting fairly, and following a clear structure that keep

As an expert HR consultant in Ipswich, I’ll explain why relying solely on a contract isn’t enough, and how to protect your business from costly misclassification. Many small business owners turn to freelancers for flexibility and specialist skills. It seems straightforward: you need a task done, they do it, and everyone's happy. But what if the reality of that relationship is far more complex than the contract you signed? For businesses across the UK, misclassifying someone y

What happens when key people leave Every small business has those key people you rely on. When they leave after years in the role, they take with them knowledge about suppliers, processes and client relationships that nobody else has. It’s a familiar story. But it’s also completely preventable through succession planning. "Succession planning" sounds corporate, but it simply means knowing who could step into key roles and getting them ready before you need them. Without it, k

As an expert HR consultant in Ipswich, I'll show you how to turn feedback from departing employees into powerful insights for improving your team and business. You’ve probably felt that sting when a good employee leaves. Beyond the immediate gap, there’s often a nagging question: why? And more importantly, what could you have done differently? If you're looking for expert HR consultancy services in Ipswich, understanding this is crucial. For many SME owners, exit interviews f

As an expert HR consultant in Ipswich, I'll guide you through supporting your team with empathy while ensuring your business stays on track. When an employee faces the profound loss of a loved one, it's not just a personal tragedy; it often brings unexpected challenges into your workplace. As a business owner, you want to offer genuine support, but you might also feel unsure about your legal obligations and how to manage the impact on your operations. This is where expert HR

As an HR consultant in Ipswich, I guide UK SME owners through the crucial steps to address suspected employee theft fairly and legally. It ’s a gut-wrenching feeling no business owner wants to experience: the suspicion that an employee might be stealing from your business. Whether it's missing stock, unexplained cash discrepancies, or even the misuse of company time and resources, this isn't just about the immediate loss. It's about a breach of trust, a blow to team morale, a

As an expert HR consultant in Ipswich, I'll walk you through the essential HR and legal foundations you need to secure your business's...

As an independent HR consultant in Ipswich, I'll share practical steps to prevent bullying and harassment, safeguarding your team and...

That applies to every role and every nationality. Skip it and you risk fines of up to £60,000, plus serious damage to your business and reputation. Here's 3 ways to check right to work: 1. Manual check: see the original passport, visa or other approved document (in person or live video while you hold the originals), check it matches the person and keep a dated copy for the duration of employment plus 2 years. 2. Digital Verification Service (DVS): only for British or Irish

As an HR consultant in Ipswich, I'll explain the crucial details of right to work checks and how to protect your business from costly...

As an experienced HR consultant in Ipswich, I'll walk you through the subtle interview questions that could land your business in hot...

What is wellbeing washing? Wellbeing washing is when a company means well and tries to improve employee wellbeing by offering perks or...