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October 21, 2024
How The Worker Protection Act 2024 Affects You as a Candidate
As a candidate navigating the job market, staying informed about new workplace regulations is essential. The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act, which comes into force on 26th October 2024, introduces significant changes that aim to make the workplace a safer, more inclusive space. These changes particularly focus on preventing workplace harassment — an issue that affects many workers, whether you're in a permanent role, a temp position, or just starting out in your career.
Here’s a breakdown of what these changes mean for you, why they matter, and how they could shape your experience in your current or future job.
What’s New in the Worker Protection Act?
This Act places a preventative duty on employers, meaning they now have a legal responsibility to actively prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. This is a big shift from the previous framework, where employers were often held accountable only after incidents had occurred. Now, the focus is on stopping harassment before it happens.
One of the key aspects of this legislation is that it doesn’t just apply to harassment between colleagues. Employers are also responsible for protecting workers from harassment by third parties, such as clients or contractors. So, if your role involves interacting with people outside your organisation, you should be safeguarded against inappropriate behaviour from all angles.
Why This Matters for You
This new law is designed to give you better protection at work, but it’s not just about safety — it’s also about creating a positive, inclusive working environment where you can thrive without fear of harassment or discrimination. If you're starting a new job, temping, or even interviewing, this legislation signals that companies must step up their game to ensure the workplace is somewhere you can feel comfortable and respected.
Key Changes You Should Know About
- Increased Employer Responsibility - Employers now need to take “reasonable steps” to prevent harassment. That means more proactive measures like training, clear policies, and a workplace culture that actively discourages inappropriate behaviour. If your employer fails to meet these standards and harassment occurs, compensation could increase by up to 25%. So, there’s a real incentive for businesses to take this seriously.
- Third-Party Harassment - Ever had to deal with a client or customer who crossed the line? This Act ensures that employers are responsible for protecting you, even from third-party individuals who aren’t directly employed by the company. This adds an extra layer of security, especially if you’re working in customer-facing or external roles.
What This Means for You in Practical Terms
As a candidate or employee, it’s important to know how these changes impact your rights. Here are a few key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Policies Will Be More Visible: Employers will need to update and actively communicate their anti-harassment policies. These shouldn’t just be dusty documents tucked away in the HR handbook. They need to be shared openly, so you should see clearer guidelines on what constitutes harassment and how to report it.
- Risk Assessments: If you're in a role where there’s potential for risk, like working in isolated areas or one-on-one with clients, your employer will need to carry out risk assessments. This means they’ll be identifying situations that could lead to harassment and taking action to mitigate them. If you're ever in a position that feels uncomfortable or unsafe, these assessments should have already addressed that — and if not, raise it!
- Training: Expect more training sessions around workplace conduct. These aren’t just for ticking boxes; they’re designed to ensure everyone — from employees to management — understands what’s acceptable, what isn’t, and how to handle issues if they arise.
- Support Systems: Your employer should have robust systems in place for reporting harassment, including anonymous channels if needed. This is to ensure that you can voice concerns safely, without fear of retaliation or judgement.
How to Use This to Your Advantage as a Candidate
This new legislation is about creating safer and fairer workplaces, and it gives you more power as a job seeker or employee. Here’s how you can leverage it:
- Ask About Policies: If you’re interviewing for a new role, don’t hesitate to ask about the company’s anti-harassment policies and how they comply with the new regulations. It’s a good way to gauge how seriously they take employee welfare.
- Know Your Rights: If you’re already in a job and experience or witness harassment, know that your employer is legally obliged to take steps to prevent and address it. Don’t be afraid to speak up if policies aren’t being followed.
- Push for Accountability: The law requires employers to monitor and improve their preventative measures. If you see gaps in how your company is managing harassment, use that feedback loop — through anonymous surveys or HR channels — to advocate for better protection.
What Happens if Employers Don’t Comply?
If a company fails to meet these new preventative duties, the consequences can be serious. For example, if an employer doesn’t take the necessary steps to prevent harassment and it happens anyway, compensation awarded to the victim could be increased by up to 25%. Additionally, regulators like the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) could step in to enforce compliance, especially if there’s a pattern of neglect.
Moving Forward
These changes mark a big step forward for workplace culture in the UK. For you as a candidate, this means more transparency, protection, and accountability from employers, which can only be a good thing.
At Appointments, we’re committed to working with companies that prioritise your safety and well-being. Whether you’re seeking permanent roles or temp work, we make sure that the businesses we work with comply with these important regulations. If you ever have concerns about your rights in the workplace or need advice on navigating these changes, we’re here to help.
Get in touch today to learn more about how we can support you in finding a job where you feel safe, valued, and respected. Let’s make sure your next role is with an employer who takes your well-being as seriously as we do.
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The Outlook for HR in 2025: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities for Senior HR Professionals
In the fast-paced world of business, the ability to secure and retain top leadership talent can make all the difference between stagnation and exponential growth. For SMEs in particular, the right leadership hires are not just crucial for filling vacancies—they are key to shaping the strategic vision, driving operational efficiency, and laying a foundation for long-term success. As we look ahead to 2025, let's delve deeper into why selecting the right leadership is more important than ever and how you can strategically approach these critical hires. Why Leadership is the Cornerstone of Business Success Leadership roles such as Finance Directors, HR Business Partners, and Operations Managers are not just functional—they are transformative. Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how the right leaders can unlock business potential and propel organizations forward. However, the wrong hire can lead to disruption and inefficiency. Here's how these roles contribute to sustainable growth: Finance Directors (FDs): A Finance Director is far more than just a custodian of the company’s finances. They provide essential strategic insights that guide decision-making and drive growth. By identifying cost-saving opportunities, optimizing cash flow, and ensuring sound financial health, a strong FD plays a pivotal role in the profitability and scalability of a business. HR Business Partners (HRBPs): In an era where talent is one of the most valuable assets, HRBPs are instrumental in aligning human resource strategies with overarching business goals. They not only develop retention strategies but also cultivate a company culture that attracts and retains top talent. A dynamic HRBP ensures your workforce is engaged, motivated, and ready to contribute to business success. Operations Managers: The heart of operational excellence, Operations Managers optimize workflows, manage resources efficiently, and ensure that day-to-day operations run smoothly. Their impact is felt directly through enhanced productivity, cost savings, and improved customer satisfaction—all of which are integral to the growth trajectory of your business. The Strategic Impact of Leadership The right leadership hires provide more than just functional expertise—they are game-changers. Here's how they create lasting value: Strategic Vision: Great leaders inject fresh perspectives and innovative ideas into the business, helping to navigate challenges, identify new opportunities, and position the company for future success. Increased Efficiency: Proven leaders streamline operations, reduce waste, and optimize processes, which leads to higher productivity and a more cost-effective business model. Stronger Teams: Exceptional leaders inspire and attract top talent. They foster collaboration, empower teams, and build a culture of high performance that drives business outcomes. Risk Mitigation: A strong leadership team proactively addresses challenges before they escalate. They are adept at implementing contingency plans and creating stability during periods of uncertainty. The High Cost of a Bad Hire In our extensive experience working with SMEs, we’ve seen firsthand how damaging poor hiring decisions can be. Not only do you risk impacting team morale and productivity, but you also face significant financial consequences. Research shows that a bad hire can cost as much as three times the employee’s annual salary, considering recruitment costs, training, and lost productivity. For SMEs, these costs can be crippling, making it imperative to approach leadership recruitment with precision and strategy. How to Secure the Right Leadership Talent 1. Define Your Needs with Precision: Before embarking on the recruitment process, clearly outline the specific skills, experience, and qualities required for the role. This ensures the candidate will not only be a technical fit but also align with your business goals and values. 2. Prioritize Cultural Fit: Leadership is about influence, and a leader who shares your company’s values will integrate seamlessly into your organization. They will inspire your team and create a harmonious work environment conducive to growth. 3. Leverage a Confidential Recruitment Partner: Engaging with a specialist recruitment consultancy that has a deep understanding of leadership roles ensures access to a broader, more diverse talent pool. Confidentiality in this process is essential, particularly when you are hiring for high-stakes leadership positions. 4. Use Data to Inform Your Decisions: Utilize salary benchmarking and competency assessments to make data-driven hiring decisions. These tools ensure your offers are competitive, attracting the best talent while mitigating the risk of overpaying. 5. Invest in Onboarding: A successful leadership hire starts with a structured onboarding process that enables the new leader to quickly adapt and deliver results. A robust onboarding strategy sets the stage for long-term success. Real Success Stories from Strategic Leadership Hires At Appointments Personnel, we have had the privilege of helping over 100 SMEs secure leadership talent in the past year alone. The results have been nothing short of transformational: A Finance Director helped a growing manufacturing business cut costs by 15%, improving profitability through strategic budgeting and financial oversight. An HR Business Partner implemented a company-wide retention strategy that reduced turnover by 30%, saving the business significant recruitment costs. An Operations Manager overhauled logistics and operational processes, reducing delivery times by 20% and significantly boosting customer satisfaction. Additionally, we’ve witnessed how having an expert second opinion during the hiring process can make a game-changing difference. One of our clients almost overlooked an exceptional Finance Director candidate due to an internal review misstep. With our insight, they hired the candidate, who went on to increase revenue by 25% within the first year. The Power of Confidential Recruitment When it comes to leadership hires, confidentiality isn’t just a matter of discretion—it’s a competitive advantage. Whether you’re replacing a key role or expanding your leadership team, maintaining confidentiality ensures that sensitive information is protected and business continuity is preserved. Emma and I understand the importance of this better than anyone, having worked on confidential roles ranging from Finance Directors to HR Business Partners and Operations Managers. With our bespoke, confidential recruitment services, you gain a trusted partner committed to sourcing the leadership talent that will drive your business to new heights in 2025 and beyond. Contact Emma Bonfiglio to book a confidential meeting - Emma@appointmentspersonnel.co.uk
If you can't get to work because of the snow, it may reduce your pay as you may be forced to take unpaid leave.
Think of your recruitment strategy like your car before a long journey—without regular checks, you risk breakdowns at the most inconvenient times.
Are you considering doing your own recruitment for your business? While handling recruitment in-house can offer you control, there are important factors to keep in mind. From the time it takes to the hidden costs and legal risks, recruitment can quickly become overwhelming.
Before you dive in, consider these key points:
Time & Resources: Recruitment takes significant time and effort. Do you have the resources to dedicate to the process while managing your day-to-day operations?
Quality Screening: Sifting through resumes and conducting effective interviews requires a structured approach to avoid missing out on top candidates.
Legal Compliance: It’s crucial to stay up-to-date on employment laws and avoid any legal pitfalls during recruitment.
High Turnover Risks: Making a bad hire can cost your business in training, re-recruiting, and lost productivity.
Onboarding is Key: A smooth onboarding process ensures your new hire is set up for success and can hit the ground running.
Interviews can be nerve-wracking. You’ve prepped for the big day, done your research, rehearsed your answers, and yet, as the clock ticks closer, a familiar feeling starts to set in: nerves. It’s completely natural! In fact, a bit of anxiety before an interview shows that you care. But while a few butterflies can help you stay alert and focused, too much nervous energy might interfere with your ability to perform your best. Here are practical ways to ease those pre-interview jitters, so you can walk into the room feeling more in control, calm, and confident. 1. Prepare Thoroughly—but Don’t Overload Preparation is key, but there’s a fine line between preparing and over-preparing. Start with a solid understanding of the company, its culture, and the role. Familiarise yourself with common questions and craft your answers thoughtfully, but avoid memorising everything word-for-word. Aim for conversational responses, so you come across as natural, not rehearsed. Trust that you’ve done the work, and remember that flexibility is just as important as preparation. 2. Practice Mindful Breathing Deep breathing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to calm your nervous system. Just a few minutes of mindful breathing can slow your heart rate, reduce anxiety, and help you feel more grounded. Before your interview, take a few slow, deep breaths. Try inhaling for a count of four, holding for four, and then exhaling for four. This small technique can make a big difference, helping you feel present and centered. 3. Visualise Your Success Visualisation is a powerful tool to calm the mind and build confidence. Picture yourself walking into the interview room, shaking hands confidently, and answering questions with ease. Imagine yourself leaving the interview feeling proud of how it went. Positive visualisation not only boosts confidence but also helps train your brain to handle the situation with a calm, positive mindset. This mental rehearsal can be surprisingly effective! 4. Channel Nervous Energy into Excitement Did you know that the physical symptoms of anxiety are nearly identical to those of excitement? The rapid heartbeat, the jittery feeling—it’s the same physiological response. So instead of telling yourself, "I'm so nervous," try saying, "I’m excited!" Reframing anxiety as enthusiasm can be a game-changer, helping you feel more positive and energised. 5. Give Yourself Plenty of Time Being rushed can amplify stress, so set yourself up for success by arriving early. Plan your route, allow time for traffic, and if possible, find a spot near the interview location to gather your thoughts and relax. Giving yourself time to settle in and adjust to your surroundings can help reduce last-minute jitters, ensuring you’re calm and ready to shine when the interview starts. 6. Accept That Some Nerves Are Normal It’s easy to feel like nerves are a “bad” thing, but nerves are part of being human. Accepting your nerves rather than fighting them can help you feel more in control. Remember that the interviewer expects you to feel a little nervous—it’s a natural response! Embrace the fact that nerves are just part of the process and focus instead on presenting your authentic self. 7. Focus on Building a Connection, Not Just Getting Hired When we focus solely on “getting the job,” it can add pressure and make us more anxious. Instead, approach the interview as an opportunity to connect, share your experiences, and learn more about the company. Shift your mindset from “I have to impress them” to “I’m here to have a great conversation.” This reframing can reduce pressure and allow you to show up as your best, most relaxed self. 8. Remind Yourself: They Want You to Succeed It’s easy to feel like the interview process is designed to “weed out” candidates, but remember, the interviewer wants you to be a fit just as much as you do. They’re hoping you’re the right candidate! So, take comfort in knowing that you’re walking into a room where people are rooting for your success. You’ve already impressed them enough to secure the interview, so now it’s about showing them what they already liked on paper. 9. Have a Grounding Ritual Whether it’s listening to a favorite song, taking a short walk, or reading a few inspirational words, find something small that calms and centers you before the interview. This ritual can act as a cue for your mind to switch from nervousness to focus, helping you approach the interview with a steady mindset. Final Thoughts Interviews can feel like high-stakes events, but remember, they’re just conversations with people eager to get to know you. By taking steps to manage your nerves, you’re setting yourself up to present your best self in a relaxed, confident way. With a bit of preparation, some calming techniques, and the right mindset, you can transform pre-interview jitters into the energy that fuels your success. So take a deep breath, trust yourself, and go shine! Your next career step awaits—and you’re ready for it.
The recent 2024 budget includes a significant shift in employer National Insurance (NI) contributions, with the rate increasing by 1.2 percentage points to 15%, and a lowered earnings threshold now starting at £5,000 (down from £9,100). These adjustments could lead to higher payroll expenses for mid-sized and larger businesses, affecting hiring strategies and budgeting in 2025 and beyond. Key Details of the Change Rate Increase: The NI contribution rate for employers rises to 15%. Lower Earnings Threshold: Employers will now pay NI on earnings starting at £5,000, significantly reducing the exemption range. This change is intended to boost government revenue but will likely increase costs for businesses with lower-wage roles. Employment Allowance Adjustments: The Employment Allowance, which offers some relief on NI costs, increases to £10,500. This provides a cushion for many small businesses, particularly those employing fewer staff. How These Changes Impact Staffing and Recruitment Businesses may see these shifts reflected in higher staffing costs, particularly for mid-sized and larger firms with significant payrolls. These added expenses might influence decisions on wage increases, hiring plans, and even the type of roles businesses choose to fill. Employers should prepare for potential shifts in their budget allocations to maintain competitiveness while managing increased contributions. Preparing Your Business Planning ahead is essential. Key steps might include: Calculating projected costs to budget for the changes Evaluating workforce needs and considering the potential impact on hiring strategies Maximising allowances by confirming eligibility for the updated Employment Allowance We will be updating our blog in the coming days with a detailed breakdown and calculations, so visit us again soon!
The national minimum wage & national living wage is a legal right which covers almost all UK workers
As businesses evolve and embrace digital solutions, one area that has seen rapid innovation is Human Resources. From managing employee records to tracking performance, HR technology promises to simplify and streamline processes. However, with so many options available, many HR professionals are left asking, "Which one is right for us?" And for some, the question remains—is a spreadsheet really the answer? We’ve been speaking to our HR clients recently, and the consensus seems to be that navigating the HR tech landscape is a minefield. Some solutions focus on one key area, while others aim to cover the entire employee lifecycle. The result? It can be difficult to know where to start. The Abundance of HR Software Options In today’s market, there are countless HR systems, each offering its own set of tools and benefits. Some of the most popular HR software solutions include: Breathe HR: Perfect for small and medium-sized businesses, Breathe HR offers a simple, user-friendly platform that focuses on core HR functions like managing employee data, absence tracking, and performance management. However, for those seeking more specialized features like recruitment or payroll, it may not be the most comprehensive option. Hi Bob: A newer platform making waves, Hi Bob combines employee engagement tools with core HR features. It’s ideal for growing businesses looking for a fresh approach to HR tech, offering features like people analytics and culture mapping, but some users have found it more geared toward employee experience rather than administration-heavy HR tasks. Bright HR: Another favorite among SMEs, Bright HR helps businesses manage leave, expenses, and even health and safety, offering a full toolkit for compliance and HR management. However, if you’re looking for advanced recruitment or learning and development features, it may not cover all the bases. BambooHR: Known for its easy-to-use interface, BambooHR focuses on employee data management, time-off tracking, and performance management. However, it doesn’t offer in-depth payroll features. Workday: A robust system offering everything from HR management to finance and planning, but its complexity may overwhelm smaller businesses looking for simplicity. Personio: Aimed at SMEs, Personio combines recruiting, employee data, payroll, and more, but users have mentioned that its recruiting features are more advanced than its HR administration tools. SAP SuccessFactors: A comprehensive suite for large enterprises, it covers everything from recruitment to employee engagement. However, with so many features, the learning curve can be steep for smaller teams. Each of these platforms offers significant benefits, but they don’t all solve the same problems. If you're looking to improve recruitment and onboarding, one solution might be perfect for you. But if your focus is on employee development and performance, another might be the better fit. This is where many HR managers feel stuck. Can a Spreadsheet Compete? With so many HR tech choices, some businesses—especially SMEs—still rely on spreadsheets to track employee data. It’s a solution that offers simplicity and flexibility, but is it really the answer for modern HR needs? Spreadsheets may work for small teams with straightforward HR processes, but they lack scalability, automation, and integration. When it comes to managing complex tasks like payroll, performance reviews, and compliance, manual entry in a spreadsheet opens the door to errors, inefficiencies, and lost time. As one HR manager told us, “We thought we were saving money by sticking with spreadsheets, but the time spent fixing mistakes far outweighed any savings.” What Should You Look For? When choosing HR software, it’s important to start with your specific needs. Do you want to focus on recruitment and onboarding? Or are you looking to improve employee engagement and retention? Once you’ve identified your priorities, here are a few key questions to consider: Integration: Does the software integrate with your current tools, such as payroll systems or recruitment platforms? User-friendliness: Is it intuitive and easy for both HR staff and employees to use? Scalability: Will it grow with your business, or will you outgrow it in a few years? Support and training: What level of support is offered? Will you and your team get the training you need to fully utilize the platform? The Verdict: One Size Does Not Fit All The HR tech landscape is indeed a minefield, with solutions that focus on every aspect of the employee lifecycle. While no single system will fit every business perfectly, choosing the right one requires a balance between your unique needs and the platform’s capabilities. Spreadsheets might work in the short term, but as your business grows, relying on manual tools could become a costly and time-consuming mistake. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options, know that you’re not alone. We've helped many clients navigate this decision-making process, and we’d be happy to help you too. Whether you need guidance on where to start or are looking for a solution that integrates seamlessly with your current processes, we’re here to ensure you make the right choice for your business.