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HR Blog for Small Businesses

Hi, I'm Kate. Stay up to date with everything HR.

I love using my Human Resource experience to help small businesses grow and improve. The intention of this blog is to provide a great, cost-free learning resource for all your HR practices.

On this main blog page, you'll find blogs on a wide range of helpful topics; from compliance and people management to health advice to increase your staff's happiness and wellbeing. Finally, because I love my gadgets, I hope to introduce you to handy, productivity apps and technologies. Nothing would make me happier than knowing this blog will help your company change for the better.

Kate Underwood, HR Consultant in Hampshire
Business owner reviewing Occupational Sick Pay scheme documents and employee benefits policy
Guides
15 Dec 2025
Advantages & Disadvantages of Sick Pay Schemes (OSP)
Explore the advantages and disadvantages of Occupational Sick Pay (OSP) schemes. Learn how OSP can create a healthier workplace, prevent financial hardship, and build a positive culture, while understanding the costs and risks involved.
#occupational-sick-pay#sick-pay-schemes#employee-benefits
7 min read
Read more about Advantages & Disadvantages of Sick Pay Schemes (OSP)Read More →
Calculator and annual leave calendar showing part-time worker holiday entitlement calculation
Guides
15 Dec 2025
Calculating Annual Leave for Part Time Workers & Staff
Learn how to calculate annual leave entitlement for part-time workers and staff. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of sick pay schemes and how to manage staff absence effectively.
#annual-leave#part-time-workers#sick-pay
8 min read
Read more about Calculating Annual Leave for Part Time Workers & StaffRead More →
UK Parliament building with Employment Rights Bill document showing latest employment law legislation updates for small businesses
Legislation
15 Dec 2025
Employment Rights Bill Update – December 2025
The Employment Rights Bill is back in Parliament for final consideration, marking one of the most significant shake-ups of UK employment law in decades. This guide sets out what's already law, what's confirmed for 2026–2027, and what small businesses should prepare for.
#employment-rights-bill#uk-legislation#employment-law-updates
12 min read
Read more about Employment Rights Bill Update – December 2025Read More →
Small business owner reviewing HR compliance checklist with employee lifecycle audit documents
Guides
7 Nov 2025
Why Every Small Business Needs an HR Audit (And How to Do One)
An HR audit isn't about catching you out — it's about protecting your business. Learn what an HR audit covers, why it matters, and how to audit your people processes in just 5-7 minutes.
#hr-audit#hr-compliance#small-business-hr
8 min read
Read more about Why Every Small Business Needs an HR Audit (And How to Do One)Read More →
Professional woman on phone call making verbal job offer in UK office setting
Legal
21 Jan 2025
Are Verbal Offers of Employment Contractual in the UK?
Can a verbal job offer form a legally binding contract? Learn what makes a verbal offer enforceable, when you can withdraw it, and how to protect your small business from costly mistakes.
#verbal-offer-of-employment-uk#employment-law#recruitment
8 min read
Read more about Are Verbal Offers of Employment Contractual in the UK?Read More →
Two professionals in business suits at a disciplinary meeting, illustrating the importance of choosing appropriate companions
Legal
21 Oct 2025
Who Can Accompany an Employee to a Disciplinary Meeting in the UK
Find out who an employee may bring to a formal disciplinary hearing in the UK, what the legal rights are, and how to handle companions, support persons and witnesses fairly.
#disciplinary-meeting-uk#right-to-be-accompanied#acas-companion-rules
7 min read
Read more about Who Can Accompany an Employee to a Disciplinary Meeting in the UKRead More →
Kate Underwood, HR Consultant discussing Autumn Budget 2025 implications for small businesses
Legal
20 Nov 2025
Autumn Budget 2025: What it really means for small businesses
Rachel Reeves has gone hard on tax and 'fairness'. On the surface, it sounds pro worker and pro growth. Underneath, if you run a small business, you're looking at higher wage bills, higher NI, more compliance, and a bit of sugar sprinkled on top.
#budget-2025#employment-law#small-business
12 min read
Read more about Autumn Budget 2025: What it really means for small businessesRead More →

Areas Covered

We provide HR consulting services for small business owners across the UK, including:

Hampshire (Andover, Basingstoke, Fareham, Portsmouth, Southampton, Winchester), New Forest, London, Dorset (Bournemouth), Surrey (Guildford, Farnham)

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    Southampton SO40 9LA

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