In this episode 186 of the podcast I bring you information and ideas on how best to deal with issues of alcoholism and substance abuse at work.

In this episode of the podcast I cover:

• Why employers need to think purposefully about how to deal with alcohol and substance abuse among employees.
• Why alcohol and substance abuse issues may arise.
• Your legal duties as an employer.
• The impact of alcohol and substance abuse at work.
• How to deal with disciplinary issues that arise as a result of alcohol and substance abuse.
• Some practical tips for employers.

You may also find the following helpful.

Alcohol at work: What do you need to consider for your policy?

This episode was as a result request from a listener who asked to cover the issue of alcohol at work. If you have any questions or particular issues that you would like covered please do email me, alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk and I will ensure it is covered in a future episode.

Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts

As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or you can find full details here: HR Harbour

Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006

We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents

We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE

The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.

The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.

Photo by Vinicius “amnx” Amano on Unsplash

In this episode 185 of the podcast I bring you my observations of the critical things that employers and HR professionals should be considering and acting upon now. This is in light of things that we are seeing in practice and which I can foresee causing difficulties in the very near future.

In this episode of the podcast I cover:

• Why thinking about mental health and wellbeing of staff is critical at this time.
• At a very minimum you should be developing a wellbeing strategy for employees.
• Why you should be considering your staff who are/will be considered as the ‘working poor’.
• Highlighting the issue that may arise with lower paid staff in your organisation as the cost of living continues to rise.
• Why you need to think carefully now about what you will do when the rules around self-isolation upon receipt of a positive covid test will change?
• Some suggestions on what you may wish to include in your policy/process.
• Why disputes are likely to arise if you do not consider it meaningfully now.
• If you are revisiting hybrid working and considering introducing long term, what you should consider.

You may also find the following helpful.

Top Tips for Managing Mental Health in the Workplace

Introducing Hybrid Working – what do employers need to consider: Part 2

Introducing Hybrid Working – what do employers need to consider: Part 1

Hybrid Working Checklist for Employers

Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts

As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or you can find full details here: HR Harbour

Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006

We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents

We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE

The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.

The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

The importance of following a fair process in an unfair dismissal claim

In this episode 184 of the podcast I bring you details of a recent case decided by the Court of Appeal in respect of unfair dismissal in a redundancy situation. The case is Gwynedd Council and S Barratt & I Hughes

In this episode of the podcast I cover:

• The basic position with regards to unfair dismissal and redundancy dismissals.
• Details of the case and why the Judge at the Employment Tribunal decided the dismissal was unfair.
• What employer’s need to consider when going through a redundancy consultation.
• Why a failure to allow an appeal against dismissal is one factor to be considered by an employment tribunal in a claim for unfair dismissal.

You may also find the following helpful.

Redundancy Process: Alternative Vacancies

Redundancy Process: Pools & Selection Criteria

Electing Employee Representatives: Redundancy Procedure

The Redundancy Consultation Process

Introduction to Redundancy

Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts

As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or you can find full details here: HR Harbour

Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006

We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents

We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE

The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.

The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.

In this episode 183 of the podcast I bring you an interview with Nicola Green, a specialist in helping organisations with menopause support at work.

In this episode of the podcast we cover:

• Why it is important for employers to think meaningfully about menopause support.
• The benefits of putting in place good menopause support and strategy.
• The fact that menopausal women are the fastest growing demographic in the workplace.
• Why having mental health first aid in place is important.
• What wellbeing initiatives you can implement.
• How addressing this topic can help other staff and staff issues.
• The key things that flow through menopause support, domestic violence and childless women among many other issues.

Some useful links for you

Domestic Violence and Abuse: what do employers need to know

Childless women in the workplace: What employers should consider.

Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts

As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or you can find full details here: HR Harbour

Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006

We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents

We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE

The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.

The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.

In this episode 182 of the podcast I bring you details of the current legal right to request flexible working and what employers need to know, as well as detail about the consultation for change to the flexible working rights and requirements.

In this episode of the podcast I cover:

• The Government’s consultation behind the proposed changes to the current arrangements for flexible working.
• The current flexible working request regime.
• The proposed changes.
• How will the proposed changes work in practice.
• Practical tips for managing flexible working requests
• FAQ’s about flexible working.

You may also find the following helpful.

Right to request Flexible Working : Episode 1

What are the benefits of implementing flexible working in your business?

Free Flexible Working Request Policy

Employee wins £180,000 in compensation for refusal of flexible working request

Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts

As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or you can find full details here: HR Harbour

Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006

We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents

We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE

The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.

The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.

In this episode 181 of the podcast I bring you my thoughts on the main changes to the world of work that employers need to be aware of.

These are my views on what has caused the change and what employers have to consider moving into 2022.

I would be very interested to hear your thoughts on this? Have I missed something? What do you think will be the biggest change in 2022? Please leave a comment below or email me alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk.

In this episode of the podcast I cover:

• The issue of recruitment and retention.
• Why recruitment and the shortage of staff and skills is critical to business and business growth.
• Why, in my view, there has been a ‘perfect storm’ of factors coming together at the same time.
• The ‘shift in power’ that has come about as a result of the recruitment and retention crisis.
• What employers can do on a practical basis to resolve and reduce the impact.
• Why hybrid working is changing the world of work.
• The importance of planning properly in advance of implementing a long term hybrid working policy.
• Contractual changes required by law and good practice.
• Legislative changes that have been made or are pending.
• Future possible changes being led by legislation.
• Why the pace of real time practical change in HR and the working environment far exceeds that of legislative change.

You may also find the following helpful.

Bring your pet to work considerations

Hybrid Working Podcast

Hybrid Working Checklist

Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts

As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or you can find full details here: HR Harbour

Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006

We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents

We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE

The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.

The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.

Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash

In this episode 180 of the podcast I bring you my practical top tips for managing mental health in the workplace.

These are my practical tips which I recommend all employers implement in their business or organisation.

Promoting good mental health practices and wellbeing need not be difficult and in this episode I breakdown into some easy steps to follow.

In this episode of the podcast I cover:

• How to prevent issues from arising as a result of work.
• The importance of being aware and well informed.
• How to spot the warning signs among colleagues.
• Why the best managers really know their staff.
• Why open communication about mental health is critical.
• How to create a culture of openness and support.
• Why you should give meaningful consideration to reasonable adjustments.
• Practical ideas you can implement with limited resources.

You may also find the mini series covering mental health in more detail useful to listen to.

Mental Health & Work Mini Series – Episode 1

Mental Health & Work Mini Series – Episode 2

Mental Health & Work Mini Series – Episode 3

Mental Health & Work Mini Series: Episode 4

Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts

As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or you can find full details here: HR Harbour

Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006

We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents

We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE

The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.

The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.

In this episode 178 of the podcast I bring you a fantastic interview with Karin, Sophia and Lindsay from Gateway Women an organisation who support childless women.

To quote from the podcast interview “Women in the workplace who are childless is the biggest diversity issue that HR have not heard of” and hopefully in this episode we can educate employers and HR about the issue so that at the very least awareness is raised about this issue that is affecting more and more women.

In this episode of the podcast we cover:

• The importance of being aware of childless women in the workplace in your equality, diversity and inclusion policies and planning.
• The importance of applying policies in the workplace in a fair and reasonable way regardless of parental status.
• Why you should consider implementing a specific policy in regards to childless employees.
• Why you should ensure you apply flexible working policies fairly.
• Why employers should consider flexibility across the business and the benefits this can bring to productivity and staff morale.
• Some of the issues that can arise in the workplace for women who are childless.
• The starting point of training and awareness for HR, managers and Employers.
• Small changes that can be made to increase inclusion.
• That 20%-30% of working women in the western world are childless.
• The benefits of implementing changes in your business to increase inclusivity for childless women.
• A great practical example of what you can do from Brewdog – Pawternity Leave for employees who have a new dog. https://www.brewdog.com/blog/dog-days

Sophia

Karin Enfield, Operations Director Gateway Women – karin@gateway-women.com

gateway-women.com

I will be focusing on equality, diversion and inclusion issues that are not covered by the Equality Act in future podcast episodes so if you have any ideas or would like to be a guest on the podcast in future to cover any topics please get in touch alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk

Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts

As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or you can find full details here: HR Harbour

Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006

We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents

We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE

The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.

The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.

In this episode 177 of the podcast I bring you my practical tips for managing home working. This follows episodes 174 and 175 about the introduction of hybrid working.

As many employers will be continuing with home working arrangements in the long term it is important to ensure that arrangements are made for the health, safety and wellbeing of the employee, and to ensure that supervision of the employee is effective and works for the business and employee.

At Real Employment Law Advice we have been home working from the start which made it much easier for us to continue working smoothly when lockdown happened, but it also means that we have several years experience to draw from on what works and what does not work.

In this episode of the podcast I cover:

• The importance of setting up home working arrangements correctly at the outset.
• Why you should have clear expectations of staff who work from home.
• The importance of a good quality job description and set of objectives or targets that are measurable.
• Why I recommend that you visit the employees home office for health and safety and security purposes.
• Some considerations when deciding on equipment and home office furnishings.
• How to ensure team spirit and working amongst a team who only work remotely.
• The importance of regular and purposeful communication with home workers.
• Some ideas on how you can recreate some of the conversations and connections that would normally happen if everyone worked together in an office.

You may also find it helpful to listen to episodes 174 and 175 if you are implementing hybrid working or a mixture of hybrid and full home working.

Fixed Price Advice from Real Experts

As part of our HR Harbour annual subscription service for employers we provide guidance and training for employers, supervisors and managers. If you would like to know more about the HR Harbour Service and how you can get unlimited support from as little as £210 per month please contact me for a no obligation discussion – alison@realemploymentlawadvice.co.uk or you can find full details here: HR Harbour

Don’t forget you can contact us by telephone 01983 897003, 01722 653001, 020 3470 0007, 0191 375 9694 or 023 8098 2006

We have a variety of free documents and letters which are available to download here: DIY Documents

We are also on YouTube! You can find a range of topics and also listen to this podcast on YouTube here: YOUTUBE

The information contained in this Podcast and post is provided for guidance and is a snapshot of the law at the time. It is provided for your information only and should not be used as a substitute for obtaining legal advice that it specific to your particular circumstances.

The guidance should not be relied upon in any decision making process. It is strongly recommended that you seek advice before taking action.

Picture by vadim-kaipov-OPep4JA-jn8-unsplash