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sexist culture at fire station

Firefighter who failed to intervene in sexist culture loses unfair dismissal claim

Simon Bailey, a former Watch Manager for Avon Fire & Rescue Service has lost his claim of unfair dismissal after resigning over a disciplinary process which found he did not intervene in workplace conflict and a culture of sexism, despite it being his role to challenge unacceptable behaviour. Background A grievance was raised by a female firefighter who alleged sexism and bullying in the workplace, including the use of outdated language, sexist remarks and harassment on the grounds of sex

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4th December 2025

Managing Multi-Generational Teams

Managing Multi-Generational Teams: Bridging Communication and Motivation Gaps

Today’s workplace is more diverse than ever with four generations collaborating side by side in a multi-generational workforce. Bringing these generations together can create a dynamic mix of experience, creativity and innovation. However, it can also present challenges if differing values and communication styles clash. In this blog, we explore how employers can effectively manage multi-generational teams by understanding their differences and adopting strategies to strengthen teamwork and drive productivity. The Challenges Each generation within a multi-generational workplace has been

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25th November 2025

Pub chain fined £25k for failing to adjust its disciplinary procedure for a neurodiverse employee

The Claimant, who is autistic and disabled under the Equality Act 2010, was employed by Wetherspoons as a kitchen porter at The Albany Palace pub in Trowbridge, Wiltshire. He unknowingly breached the employee discount policy to pay for a family meal and was awarded more than £25,000 following his employer’s failure to make reasonable adjustments. Background On 12 August 2023, the Claimant used his staff discount for a family meal of six, unaware of his employer’s policy limiting discounts to

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19th November 2025

personality profiling

Personality Profiling & Assessments – Getting Them Right Ethically and Legally

Personality profiling and psychometric assessments have become powerful tools for recruitment, team development and leadership growth. However, these tools also carry ethical and legal responsibilities that employers must carefully navigate. This blog examines the ethical use of personality testing in the workplace, balancing its benefits for recruitment and team development with risks like bias and privacy concerns. It highlights best practice to ensure fairness, transparency and responsible application. Balancing Benefits & Risks Personality profiling for recruitment can help employers match individuals

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13th November 2025

exit interviews, employee experience, employee retention

The Power of Goodbye: Turning Exit Interviews into Strategic Insights

When an employee leaves an organisation, exit interviews are often seen as the final administrative step in the offboarding process. But in reality, they’re one of the most valuable tools an organisation has for understanding employee experience, workplace culture, and the true causes of staff turnover, ultimately improving employee retention. In this blog we discover how thoughtful exit interviews can uncover the real reasons behind staff turnover, reveal patterns in employee experience and inform employers with strategic insights for long-term

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4th November 2025

value of older employees

Too Old to Hire? Why Employers Should Value Experienced Talent

While young professionals entering the job market may possess the strong tech and digital skills suited to today’s modern workplace, experience remains one of the most valuable assets an organisation can bring on board. This article explores the unique value that older employees offer and why overlooking them can be a missed opportunity. The Value of Experience Employers are finding that young workers often lack the critical soft skills required for workplace collaboration and efficiency. Older employees, regardless of their

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28th October 2025

AI in HR

AI in HR: Friend or Foe for Employee Relations?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming workplaces at lightning speed and HR is no exception. From automating recruitment to streamlining performance management, AI promises efficiency. But what does it mean for employee relations? As a business owner or employer, finding the right balance between technology and human connection is critical to loyalty, culture and overall business performance. In this article we explore the advantages and potential drawbacks of AI in HR. The Friend AI can serve as a powerful tool for

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21st October 2025

sexual harassment, overhead comments

Overhearing Sexist Comments Can Be Harassment, Tribunal Rules

An employee who overheard colleagues making sexual remarks was the victim of harassment, a tribunal has ruled. The verdict comes in the case of a car sales executive who complained after repeatedly overhearing comments of a sexual nature, even though the comments were not directed at him. Key facts The Claimant was employed in a car dealership in April 2024 but was dismissed 3 weeks later. The tribunal heard how he was forced to listen to sexual comments and homophobic

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8th October 2025

5 Key HR Policies

5 Key HR Policies UK Employers Should Review Annually

Keeping up with fast-evolving legislation and workplace expectations is critical for every employer. Regularly reviewing and updating your HR policies helps maintain compliance, protect your organisation and build an inclusive workplace culture. In this article, we highlight 5 key HR policies UK employers should review annually to reduce legal risks and follow best practices. Discipline and Grievance Policies Clear disciplinary and grievance policies are essential for managing conflict and reducing the risk of unfair dismissal claims. These policies should align

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29th September 2025

spike in sickness absence rates

The Sickness Absence Spike Employers Can’t Ignore!

The CIPD’s Health and Wellbeing at Work report supported by Simplyhealth, provides data and analysis on current health and wellbeing trends and practices in the workplace. The latest report has revealed worrying trends in sickness absence. In this article we have highlighted the key findings and measures employers could implement to help reduce sickness absence rates and maintain a healthy, productive workplace. Key findings of the report The report has revealed a spike in sickness absence, with mental ill-health a major contributing factor.

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22nd September 2025

health and safety inspector visit

How to Prepare for a Health & Safety Inspector Visit

Health and Safety Inspectors, from either the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or your Local Authority (LA), may visit your workplace for several reasons. These include following up on a reportable incident, investigating a complaint (e.g. from a whistleblower or concerned member of the public), or as part of a routine or unannounced inspection. Being prepared for any inspector visit is key to managing the process both professionally and legally. This practical guide walks you through the steps businesses should

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15th September 2025

Employee onboarding

Employee Onboarding – A Guide to Success!

A well-structured onboarding program is one of the most valuable investments an organisation can make. A strong onboarding experience makes for a seamless transition to integrate new employees operationally and culturally. It is a strategic process designed to strengthen organisation culture, boost engagement, increase productivity and improve retention. This guide covers the onboarding essentials every employer should know. What is onboarding? Onboarding is the process of integrating new employees into an organisation’s culture and expectations. It bridges the gap between

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8th September 2025

employment tribunal whistleblowing claim

Cafe Worker Awarded £20k After Being Made to Work in the Cold

A former cafe worker at Whipped in Covent Garden has been awarded more than £20,000 after she was dismissed following her complaints about working in the cold. An Employment Tribunal heard how indoor temperatures in the cafe fell as low as 12°C during the winter when managers insisted on leaving the door open to encourage customers to come inside. Ms Ayad said she had to wear ‘three layers and a thermal vest’ to stay warm but was not allowed to

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28th August 2025

Disability discrimination

Workplace Disability Discrimination Disputes on the Rise

Recent data from the government’s Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas), has revealed that approximately one in six workplace disputes now involve disability discrimination, a rise of 31% in the past year. Disability is one of nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. A person is considered disabled under that legislation if they have ‘a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities’. An increase in mental

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18th August 2025

Understanding Protected Characteristics in UK Employment Law

Understanding Protected Characteristics in UK Employment Law

The primary purpose of employment law is to provide a framework that promotes fairness and equality to provide a safe, inclusive, legally compliant workplace for employees. The Equality Act 2010 outlines the protected characteristics which form a key part of this framework to protect employees from discrimination, harassment and victimisation. Here we explain what the protected characteristics under UK employment law are, why they matter, and how businesses can ensure compliance to promote equality and prevent discrimination in the workplace.

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11th August 2025