Hi, I’m Kate, Welcome To My Blog!
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 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.
Introducing Toggl
Toggl is an extremely handy time tracking tool that allows you to track time spent on different tasks; providing detailed insights and an opportunity to optimise workflow by identifying areas of improvement.
Breathe – the ‘go to’ HR system
Breathe is the ‘go to’ HR system for all small businesses and we wanted to highlight why it’s so brilliant. Here’s our Kate to give you an overview.
Pocket HR Membership – Launching 1st October 2021
Pocket HR is the online HR Membership that will have you grow your business through your people. One step at a time.
Breathe – New People Portal app
Breathe HR Software keeps on getting smarter and smarter! The Breathe – People Portal app has been designed as a fantastic on-the-go tool to keep your employees in the loop and regain control of managing their shifts.
Flexible Working
We look at the difference between ’emergency time off for dependents’ and ‘flexible working’ and why employers should consider policies for both.
Introducing Otter
Otter will save you time and effort through transcription. Quickly and efficently generate notes for meetings, interviews and to-do lists at the push of a button.
What can you do if you get a bad reference from an Employee?
Do you ask your new hires for references? A couple of years ago I wrote a blog on DO NOT Make This Costly Mistake When Checking References but one thing I didn't touch on was what you should do if you get a bad reference. Can you just dismiss someone? Should you?...
Introducing Loom
Have you ever spent far too long writing out an email to someone to explain how they should go about completing a task, only to find that when you reach the end…the wording is probably not all that clear and there would still be room for error? Let me introduce you to Loom!
Introducing Pirkx
Now more than ever Small Businessees need to be savvy with their money and look at more ways to make it stretch. With Payroll being the biggest cost – take a look a Pirkx and see how much your employees could save.
Introducing Tia, our latest addition to the team
Introducing Tia, another of our very own kick-starters and the newest member of the KUHR team!
Right to work changes from 1st July 2021
For employees with a start date from 1 July 2021, for all EU, EEA and Swiss Citizens, you will no longer be able to use their passport or national identity card to prove their right to work in the UK.
What are the changes to the furlough Scheme in July?
Changes to the current Furlough Scheme are coming in July 2021.
Introducing Dyllan, our latest addition to the team
Introducing Dyllan, our very own kick-starter and newest member of the KUHR team!
Introducing Hannah, our latest addition to the team
Hannah joined us at the end of last year and with all that has been going on this blog is a little late!
Can you change your business approach with an apprenticeship?
There is up to £4,000 available currently for taking on a new apprentice. The benefit of this apprenticeship is that it’s delivered wholly online, and that you don’t need to send your apprentice to college for day release, so they can be working with you on a full-time basis.
Empower don’t micromanage
To build the most effective team and to ensure long-standing employees it is important that your team members feel empowered rather than micromanaged. It is a fine balance between giving freedom to your employees whilst still being able to offer them support and guidance.
Top 5 considerations when reopening your workplace
How to show employee appreciation when working away from the office and in the current climate of working remotely
Top 10 ways to show appreciation for your team in the current climate of working remotely
How to show employee appreciation when working away from the office and in the current climate of working remotely
What can a financial advisor help you with to complement the services of your accountant?
Accountants and financial advisers can both help you manage your finances.
Both roles are important, both roles are carried out by professionals in the field of finance, and in both cases, their role is to help and support you and your business achieve your goals and be successful.
Do Small Businesses have to publish a Modern Slavery Statement?
Helping Small Business Owners understand their responsibilities from April 2021 on Modern Slavery
Does IR35 apply to Small Businesses?
Helping Small Business Owners understand if they are subject to the new IR35 Regulations
Statutory Increases April 2021
In April there are a number of increases for the statutory limits on wages, SSP, SMP and Redundancy
Everything You Need to Know About Small Business and the Budget
Small Business and the Budget; March 2021 On March, 3rd, 2021 Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak delivered his first budget of the year, and it wasn't as bad as feared! Despite the bad news that 700,000 people lost their jobs in the last year, his March...
5 Top Tips for Managing Employee Holidays in 2021
Helping employers manage holidays post COVID
4 Steps to Lifting Lockdown
The Government's 4 Steps to Lifting Lockdown Today in the House of Commons, Prime Minister Boris Johnson set out his proposed 4 Steps to Lifting Lockdown. Here is a summary of those 4 Steps to Lifting Lockdown. Step 1: On 8th March, 2021 All students return to schools...
Business Owners – How to Improve Your Personal Wealth in 2021
As a business owner there are ways to improve your personal wealth in 2021.
In this blog we tell you how by covering topics such as the best way to take profits from your business, expenses and employing family members.
9 Financial Tips for Small Business Owners in the UK
Many small business owners are too busy running their business to consider managing their own finances.
Here are some tips for small business owners to consider when looking after their own finances as well as the financial security of their business.
What are the new UK immigration rules?
Ensuring you’re looking after your wellbeing in these uncertain times will help you and your business so why not join our Steps to Success: Wellbeing Challenge?
The Advantages of Online Learning with IMPROVE – updated 26/03/2021
Through providing online training to your employees you can ensure that staff continue to feel valued and included, whilst also keeping staff that have been furloughed feeling engaged and motivated.
*Updated* 05/01/21 COVID The Lowdown on Lockdown 3
Here's the Lowdown on Lockdown 3.0 Welcome to Rumour Control! Following Prime Minister Boris Johnson's announcement at 8pm on Monday 4th January, here's what you need to do from Thursday 6th January 2021, when England goes into Lockdown 3.0 People cannot leave their...
Excessive Workloads in COVID-19
Here are some helpful tips for looking after yours and your employee’s wellbeing when working from home and to avoid overwhelm and overworking.
Why Successful SME’s Outsource Learning and Development
Ensuring you’re looking after your wellbeing in these uncertain times will help you and your business so why not join our Steps to Success: Wellbeing Challenge?
HR Risk Quiz
Hello and Welcome to Our HR Risk Quiz! Do you run a small business but think you might need a little HR support? Well, you're in luck! Here at Kate Underwood HR & Training, we've created an HR Risk Quiz to help you to decide what kind of support you may need. In a...
Steps to Success: Wellbeing Challenge
Ensuring you’re looking after your wellbeing in these uncertain times will help you and your business so why not join our Steps to Success: Wellbeing Challenge?
Coronavirus Government Support – Updated 5th November 2020
Remember, remember the fifth of November! Welcome to the latest in our blogs detailing information on Coronavirus Government Support.
COVID-19 UPDATE: Job Support Scheme Expansion
Rishi Sunak has announced on Friday 9th October 2020 that the Government’s Job Support Scheme will be expanded to firms required to close due to COVID restrictions
Introducing Pocket HR
Have you ever wished you had help with HR? Well, you’re in luck! Pocket HR is a brilliant, downloadable app and video guide from Kate Underwood HR & Training…
The Importance of Redundancy Process
Redundancy Process – A failure of processes that leads to unfair redundancy can lead to a big expense for your company and it certainly pays to get things right
Are You Ready for an Exciting Fitness Challenge?
With darker winter nights drawing in, these winter months are important are the optimum time to increase motivation and reconnect. That’s why we’re introducing the Fitness Challenge!
The Happiness Index: Employee Voice 24/7
What is Employee Voice 24/7? The Happiness Index have created an employee survey designed to give employees a voice during times of change. The pre-built survey is completely anonymous and allows employees to leave feedback 24/7. Whether your team work shifts and are...
Winter Economy Plan: Job Support Scheme Replaces Furlough
The Winter Economy Plan Job Support Scheme will try to keep businesses afloat through winter, but will the Chancellor’s latest plan keep the wolf from the door?
How Do I Manage The Number Of Staff In The Office?
In these challenging times of COVID-19, furlough and working from home, a question you may need answering is How Do I Manage The Number Of Staff In The Office?
What Are Your Redundancy and Furlough Rights?
In today’s blog post, we’ve pooled our sources so you can you’ll find out everything you ever wanted to know about your Redundancy and Furlough Rights
How Do I Claim The New Kickstarter Job Scheme Grant?
The government has recently announced the Kickstarter Job Scheme Grant. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to claim it
Are There Any New Small Business Grants To Help SMEs?
Government Announces £20 Million in Small Business Grants Finally, some good news amongst all this! And no, we're not talking about the Eat Out to Help Out half-price Nandos! The government has announced the launch of a new £20 million support in Small Business Grants...
How Can The Government Kickstart Scheme Help My Small Business?
The next stage in the coronavirus economic recovery plan is the Government Kickstart Scheme. This blog post lays out the details everything we know so far
How Do I Claim the New Apprentice Incentive Bonus?
If you would like to claim the Apprentice Incentive Bonus, then you’re in luck! Gary from DA Training & Consultancy is our guest blogger to talk you through it
Surviving, Survivor Bias
Survivor Bias describes our human tendency to focus on the people or things that have passed some sort of selection process, whilst forgetting about other important factors.
Breathe Rota
Breathe Rota is seamless, cost-effective and instant, and it will sew the seam between you and your team to ensure smooth and communicative rota management.
12 Tips on How to have Helpful Conversations about Mental Health
Conversations about mental health can be difficult. Ali Grady, Director of The Thrive Team and Mental Health First Aid Instructor shares tips on how to help…
10 Amazing Tips on How to Prepare for an Online Interview
During lockdown we have seen a lot of things changing in recruitment and interviews. So here are a few expert tips on How To Prepare for an Online Interview…
Training and Furlough: How Has COVID-19 Affected Training?
Covid-19 has had a massive impact on all businesses, from micro-sized through to huge conglomerates. Some of the biggest and most complex questions we have been asked surround training and furlough…
Your Free Guide to Recalling Staff from Furlough
Recalling Staff from Furlough. Your guide to re-introducing staff to the workplace after lockdown. Now is the time to prepare bring back your furloughed staff!
HR Academy Launches Today!
Why Did We Come Up With The HR Academy? Like all businesses, we have had to adapt with the current coronavirus pandemic and we have been trying to adapt how we work to ensure our customers still receive the very best service. Over the last 6 weeks we have: Supported...
Your FREE Coronavirus Business Support Summary
Check out my Coronavirus Business Support Summary to make sense of the support currently open to Small Businesses in the UK in light of the coronavirus pandemic
New Team Member at KUHR
We’re delighted to introduce our New Team Member – Office Coordinator Becca! She’s here to help run the office more smoothly so we have more time to help you…
Furlough and Holidays
We’ve had lots of queries with regards to holidays and holiday pay during periods of Furlough. So, we thought it would be helpful to run through a few different scenarios that may crop up.
Your Free Guide to Coronavirus and Furlough
A Quick Guide to Coronavirus and Furlough covers all you need to know to help your employees and your business; from the legal side, and to show you care
A Helpful Guide to Working From Home (and How to Stay Sane!)
Check out our Guide to Working From Home, full of useful tips to support you in your new working from home scenario, that can help both you and your family.
Your FREE Job Retention Scheme for SMEs Update
Check out my Job Retention Scheme for SMEs update to make sense of the support currently open to Small Businesses in the UK in light of the coronavirus pandemic
UPDATE: Extra Coronavirus Support for SMEs & Self-Employed
On 17th March 2020, the Government announced further coronavirus support for individuals and businesses alike. Click to find out how to get help for your SME
Coronavirus and Tax: Do You Need Extra Help Paying Your Tax?
Further to my blogs on Coronavirus and the Budget below is some further support for Small Businesses surrounding the coronavirus and tax. Check it out now!
Coronavirus and Small Business: What Should You Do?
Not sure what to do about Coronavirus and Small Business? You must ensure you keep your business and your employees safe. Find out more with our free downloads.
April 2020: Important Employment Law Changes for Small Businesses
A quick guide to the April 2020 employment law changes for small businesses, including national minimum wage and new policies. Make sure you read it right now!
Good News for the March 2020 Budget and Small Businesses
March 2020 Budget and Small Businesses. Find out how the Chancellor plans to help and support Small Businesses, especially in light of the Coronavirus pandemic
My First Year of Employment at KUHR
In the latest blog, Pete reflects on his first year working for KUHR and his hopes for the year ahead.
Office Etiquette – What Is Acceptable Workplace Behaviour?
Left unchallenged, misunderstandings about acceptable office etiquette can quickly lead to discontent or even conflict within your workforce.
Veganism At Work: What Does The Recent Court Ruling Mean?
What might the increasing popularity of Veganism mean for your business?
6 Easy Ways To Reduce Presenteeism
Today, we’ll be learning what the term “presenteeism” means, how it affects your business and looking at six easy ways to reduce presenteeism in the workplace.
The Amazing Benefits Of Napping At Work
Is napping at work a good idea? Our latest blog explores the pro’s and con’s for staff and employees.
What Is Emotional Intelligence… And Why Does It Matter?
It’s not unusual to need training or coaching when you undertake personal development, and improving your emotional intelligence is no exception
What To Do When Annual Leave And Staff Sickness Absences Collide?
You have an employee about to start a period of annual leave and they fall ill. Can they reclaim their holiday entitlement because they are sick?
The Right To Work: What Do You Need? What Happens After Brexit?
You could face 5 years of jail time if found guilty of employing someone you “had reasonable cause to believe” doesn’t have the right to work in the UK.
Is It Illegal to Monitor Employees’ Social Media?
Is it OK to monitor employees’ social media? First, you should consider if you have good policies in place to define the use and monitoring of social media.
How To Offer Employee Benefits On A Budget
How to offer employee benefits on a budget – Making sure you have the right benefits for your team is not an easy task. First, be sure you know what they want!
Take Part In Our 2019 Benefits Survey And Win Tea For Two!
Complete our 2019 Benefits Survey to receive a FREE e-book featuring ideas on benefits and building a winning team and you and a friend might win Afternoon Tea!
Are You Looking After Your Employee’s Mental Health?
Poor mental health has a massive impact on people’s lives, therefore it is paramount you do what you can to help improve your employee’s mental health
Who Can Accompany An Employee To A Disciplinary Meeting?
After a New Zealander recently took a clown to a disciplinary meeting, we answer an oft-asked question who can accompany an employee to a disciplinary hearing?
Introducing Our Revolutionary Recruitment Support Service
Does the idea of a recruitment drive fill you with dread? Here at Kate Underwood HR, we understand; that’s why we introduced our Recruitment Support Service
Introducing Our Brilliant New BreatheHR Set Up And Go Package!
BreatheHR software just got even better with our BreatheHR Set Up And Go Package. Designed to save you HR admin time so you can get back to doing what you love
Policies: 4 Great Ways To Ensure You Have The Right Policies
Sainsbury’s found themselves on the wrong side of a tribunal after firing an employee for wearing headphones whilst working. Did they have the correct policies?
10 Amazing TED Talks On Leadership You Need To See!
Improving and evolving your leadership skills is a must for small business owners. So make some time to watch these brilliant TED talks and become a true leader
Your Quick Guide To Working Out Holiday Pay
Everyone knows that getting your employee’s Holiday Pay correct is important, but it seems that employees frequently feel like their bosses are getting it wrong
Your FREE Guide To Occupational Health
Here’s your FREE quick guide to Occupational Health, covering what Occupational Health Physician’s work can entail and what they can offer a business like yours
Occupational Sick Pay Schemes: 3 Great Pros & 3 Bad Cons
At some point all business owners must consider whether or not to offer Sick Pay. There are pros and cons to think about when considering a Sick Pay scheme.
5 Tips for Mental Health Awareness Training
Mental Health Awareness is more important than ever. Employers have a duty of care to look after their employees Mental Health as well as their physical safety.
The 6 Best Apps For Small Business Owners
When it comes to HR technologies, these 6 Apps for small business owners can help your company save time and effort, increase productivity… and reduce stress!
June 2019 – New website and client area
As promised we have launched a new website which includes a client area allowing us to share documents with you. Blah blah Blah
Happy 4th Business Birthday To Kate Underwood HR!
As I sit on the 7am train on my 4th business birthday, I have time to reflect on how far I’ve come and ask myself what do I want to achieve in the next 4 years?
6 Amazing Pieces Of HR Tech For Small Businesses
6 HR Tech For Small Businesses: For Your Human Resource Needs Here are my top six 'go-to' pieces of HR tech for small businesses which will help with all your Human Resource needs. Of course, number one has to be an HR System... Breathe This is the HR software your...
The 17 Best Workplace Technology Trends For 2019
From finance and expenses to people management, I’d like to share 2019’s Best Workplace Technology Trends with you… for free!
Remote Working Benefits These 4 Areas Of Your Business
The benefits of remote working are often obvious to employees. But what about the benefits to you as the small business owner?
April 2019 Employment Law Update: The Terrific Pros & The Terrible Cons
The April 2019 Employment Law Update means we’ve had a National Minimum Wage for 20 years, but what other changes do Small Businesses need to take into account?
15+ Ways Mindfulness Can Grow Your Business
Mindfulness is based on an ancient practice of encouraging awareness, clarity, and acceptance of the present moment and it can help your business and help you!
Help Your Staff Switch Off For These 3 Brilliant Benefits
Help your staff switch off so they feel less pressure from our ‘always-on’ culture and your business reap will the benefits of a happier, productive workforce
15+ Benefits Of Physical Exercise For Small Business Owners
For our Wellbeing month, we have to mention the benefits of physical exercise for small business owners. Over to guest blogger – Personal Trainer, Greg Small.
Food Allergies: A Big Responsibility For Your Small Business
It is vital your small business has robust procedures on letting customers with food allergies know what’s in their food, hygiene and food preparation areas.
5 Powerful Ways To Improve Your Job Descriptions
Job descriptions provide employees with clear expectations of what is required of them, so here are 5 powerful ways to make sure you’re all on the same page…
4 Essential Tips To Avoid Costly Recruitment Mistakes
From strategizing and marketing and timing, This guide will explain all you need to know to avoid costly recruitment mistakes and win brilliant new employees!
Connect Your Business Plans And Appraisals
Your Business Plans and Appraisals should be connected. By utilising the Golden Thread concept, everyone in the organization is headed in the same direction