HR Headaches

What to do when you’ve overpaid an employee

What to do when you’ve overpaid an employee

If you've accidentally overpaid an employee, don't worry, it happens, and in most circumstances, you’ll be able to get the money back. But can an employer take back overpaid salary from an individual's wages, and what does the law say about employee rights when this...

Recording conversations at work

Recording conversations at work

Now that 99% of people have a smartphone in their pocket, it’s a real worry for employers that they’ll find themselves being secretly recorded by an employee. This can throw up all sorts of problems, from creating mistrust between colleagues to leaving you on the...

Global conflicts and the workplace

Global conflicts and the workplace

What’s going on in the world is always going to be a talking point at work – but with so much conflict in the news, and such sharply-divided opinions, it’s important those “water-cooler” conversations don’t turn into anything more serious. So how should employers...

Three HR nightmares to avoid

Three HR nightmares to avoid

Spooky season is upon us and Halloween is just around the corner, so to keep with the theme we thought we’d share some scary HR nightmares that took place over the last month. We’ve picked three HR nightmares and given you some advice on how you can avoid making these...

The importance of values in a small business

The importance of values in a small business

Our values shape us. Not only do they shape how we live our day to day lives but they are the bedrock of a business, shaping its culture and vision. That’s why it’s so important to get your values right for your small business. Why are values so important for a small...

Should your small business use a consultant?

Should your small business use a consultant?

As so many small businesses continue to feel the challenges of the changing economy, we are seeing more and more people use the services of consultants. Choosing to use a consultant for your small business can bring many benefits. Consultants can provide excellent...

Six employment rights employers need to know about

Six employment rights employers need to know about

As a legal specialist working at citrus HR, my role is to keep all our materials and templates up-to-date and to give our customers regular updates on developments in employment law and how they affect their business. Employment law is constantly evolving, and it can...

Workplace relationships: A guide for employers

Workplace relationships: A guide for employers

Can employees form romantic relationships at work? Well, that very much depends on the business. The recent departure of Philip Schofield from ITV (after a workplace relationship with a younger colleague) has highlighted the reputational damage that can occur when...

Suspending an employee

Suspending an employee

In situations where you’re investigating an employee for gross misconduct, you may find it appropriate to suspend them. Suspension can be a useful measure to take but, as with all people matters, there’s a process that you need to follow carefully. If you suspend one...

Phishing: how to protect your small business

Phishing: how to protect your small business

Protecting your customer and employee data might seem easy, but with different hacking techniques coming into play on a daily basis, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to know if you are emailing Helen the HR Assistant or Sam the Scammer. But never fear. There are...

April Fool’s Day – How to manage it as an employer

April Fool’s Day – How to manage it as an employer

The notorious April Fools' Day is upon us, which means it’s the time of year when an office prank or two are most likely to pop up, even with a lot of us hybrid working. Whether everyone is back in the workplace or not, there are lots of opportunities for your...

How to check right to work status post-Brexit

How to check right to work status post-Brexit

With the latest changes to immigration, it’s now more important than ever to stay on top of the latest employment law news and understand what to do to check new employees’ right to work. It is really important to check that every person you employ has the legal right...

Managing employee grievances

Managing employee grievances

As an employer, it’s always difficult when an employee raises a grievance. It’s hard to hear that a member of the team isn’t happy at your company, especially in a small business, where staff can be more tight-knit. The main way to prevent grievances is to try and...

Talking politics at work

Talking politics at work

Due to the current political landscape in the UK, people's views on politics will inevitably surface in the workplace. With so many differing opinions, beliefs and political affiliations flying about, there’s a possibility that discussion could turn into an argument...

Workplace relationships: A guide for employers

Workplace relationships: A guide for employers

Can employees form romantic relationships at work? Well, that very much depends on the business. And as the news scandal concerning former McDonald’s CEO Steve Easterbrook has brought to light, if you work at McDonald’s, you can’t. Easterbrook was dismissed from his...

What are some examples of gross misconduct?

What are some examples of gross misconduct?

Gross misconduct is when an employee commits a serious act that immediately destroys your working relationship with them. If this happens, you can consider summarily dismissing the employee without notice, but you must also make sure you follow a proper disciplinary...

Confronting an employee drinking problem

Confronting an employee drinking problem

Managing an employee with an alcohol problem is one of the most difficult issues you can face as an employer. Not only are their attendance records likely to take a hit, but their alcohol dependence can also have a negative effect on the volume and quality of work the...

How to dismiss an employee

How to dismiss an employee

To dismiss an employee legally in the UK, you must ensure you have a valid reason for doing so. You must also take care to follow a fair procedure. No employer wants to find themselves needing to dismiss someone, and if it's your first time doing so, the process can...