2026 Statutory Rates Announced
Alan Kitto
The government has today announced the statutory rates that are effective from 6th April 2026.
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With the National Minimum Wage (NMW) now almost fifteen years old, and with another increase pending on 1st April 2017 HMRC have issued a list of the most elaborate excuses they've been given by employers for not paying the appropriate rates:
Ending Caps on Unfair Dismissal Compensation
Alan Kitto
As part of its decision to abandon day one unfair dismissal rights in favour of reducing the qualifying period from two years to six months continuous employment, the government has committed to scrapping the statutory cap on compensation for ordinary unfair dismissal cases.
Read MoreImportant Update on Day One Unfair Dismissal Rights
Alan Kitto
One of the major provisions within the Government’s Employment Rights Bill was the removal of the qualifying period for unfair dismissal cases, and in so doing, give employees a day one right to bring such claims.
Read MoreNational Minimum Wage and National Living Wage Increases for 2026 Announced
Alan Kitto
Ahead of tomorrow’s budget, the government has this evening announced the increases to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage which will take effect from the start of April 2026.
Read MoreGovernment Proposes to Double Acas Early Conciliation Window to 12 Weeks
Alan Kitto
The Government has unveiled draft regulations to extend the Early Conciliation period administered by Acas from six weeks to 12 weeks, effective for cases where conciliation begins on or after 1 December 2025.
Read More2026 Real Living Wage Rates Announced
Alan Kitto
We are pleased to highlight the latest rise in the Real Living Wage, as published by the Living Wage Foundation, and explain how it applies to full-time employment.
Please note that this is separate from the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates, which are likely to be published for 2026 in the next few weeks.
Read MoreHR Support for SARA
Alan Kitto
We are delighted to announce that we have recently agreed to provide HR support to the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA).
Read MoreSeptember is Suicide Prevention Month
Alan Kitto
Every September, organisations across the globe mark Suicide Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage open conversations about mental health and suicide.
Read MoreNew Assessments Can Help You Recruit with Confidence
Alan Kitto
Employers are facing a tight talent pool, rising recruitment expenses, and increasing uncertainty surrounding employment legislation. One major development is the Government’s proposed amendment to the Employment Rights Bill, which will make unfair dismissal a ‘day one’ right. This shift, when introduced, will reduce the flexibility employers currently have during probation periods and early employment, adding further pressure to get recruitment decisions right first time.
Read MoreFlexible Working - Key Insights from CIPD
Alan Kitto
As flexible and hybrid working continues to reshape the modern workplace, the CIPD’s latest report, ‘Flexible and Hybrid Working Practices in 2025, offers timely insight into how these arrangements are evolving — and what it means for both employers and employees.
Read MoreHouse of Lords Reject Day One Unfair Dismissal Rights
Alan Kitto
In a major House of Lords vote last week, peers backed an amendment (Amendment 49) to the Employment Rights Bill, scrapping the proposed day‑one unfair dismissal right in favour of reinstating a qualifying period for tribunal claims.
Read MoreEmployment Rights Bill - Updated Roadmap
Alan Kitto
Within the last few days, the Government has issued an updated timescale on the introduction of the various provisions contained within its Employment Rights Bill.
Read MoreHow to Recruit for Real Skills in the Age of ChatGPT
Alan Kitto
In a world where AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming commonplace in the job search process, employers face a new challenge: how to distinguish genuine candidate ability from artificially enhanced applications. We’ve listed a few ways that businesses can adapt their recruitment practices to ensure applicants have the real-world skills to succeed — not just a well-polished CV and the ability to use AI tools..
Read MoreThe Benefits of Having and Employee Assistance Programme
Alan Kitto
In today’s fast-paced and increasingly complex world of work, employees face a multitude of pressures—both personal and professional. From financial concerns and mental health challenges to family responsibilities and work-related stress, it’s no surprise that wellbeing has become a key focus for employers. One powerful way to support your workforce is through the introduction of an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
Read MoreEmployment Law Update
Alan Kitto
After a number of years of there being very few changes to employment law, we’ve seen a number of changes over the last few months and have sight of more to come over the next eighteen months; I wanted to take an opportunity to summarise what’s been happening and what’s still to come.
Read MoreNew Statutory Rates Announced
Alan Kitto
With effect from 6th April 2025, the following statutory rate changes will take effect:
Read MoreNeonatal Care Leave and Pay Introduced
Alan Kitto
From 6 April 2025, eligible parents of babies who require neonatal care will gain a new statutory right to Neonatal Care Leave and Pay.
Read MoreCelebrating 10 Years of Dedication: A Milestone Achievement for Bevan
Alan Kitto
We take immense pride in the commitment and dedication of our team members. Today, we are thrilled to celebrate a remarkable milestone—Bevan Hillard has officially completed ten years of service with us!
Read MoreNational Minimum Wage and National Living Wage Increases for 2025 Announced
Alan Kitto
Ahead of tomorrow’s budget, the government has this evening announced the increases to the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage which will take effect from the start of April 2025.
Read MoreChristmas Party Season Is Upon Us ...
Alan Kitto
As Christmas draws ever closer, we wanted to take the opportunity to of saying that it’s been a huge pleasure working with you this year and we hope that you’re able to recharge your spent batteries over the Christmas period ready for what I very much hope will be a prosperous 2024.
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