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Employing People from the Ukraine Many employers are looking to offer jobs to Ukrainian refugees. If you as an employer would like to do the same, but are not sure if you can or how to go about it the vital information that you need is outlined below. The Government...
How to Answer the Interview Question: What does good customer service mean to you? Customer service is the experience and support you offer customers before, during and after they purchase a product or service from you. Giving excellent customer service is so...
How to write a killer job description A job description describes the general tasks, duties and responsibilities of a position. It lists the vital functions of a job and the experience, knowledge, qualifications and skills required for the role. Job descriptions...
National Equal Pay Day 12th April 2022 The National Equal Pay Day is a day to encourage people to fight for employment equality no matter what their gender or the colour of their skin is. This year it falls on Tuesday 12th April 2022. The date of National Equal Pay...
Competency interview questions for civil service behaviours As part of their success profiles, the Civil Service have developed a set of defined behaviours that are associated with job success. Behaviours are defined for each job role and are specific to the...
The International Transgender Day of Visibility is a national event that happens on 31st March annually. This day is to raise awareness of discrimination that is faced by the transgender and gender non-conforming community and to also celebrate the achievements across...
Problem Solving Skills: How to demonstrate them at the interview Problem-solving is the process followed in order to identify a problem and its source, and then find a solution to it. The ability to problem-solve is really important to an employer as problems crop up...
Employers to award record pay rises? According to the CIPD Labour Market Outlook, Winter 2021-2022, employers are set to award pay increases of 3%, this is the highest that has been reported since 2012-2013 winter. However, the cost of living is increasing daily, due...
Living with Covid-19 For almost two years now, we have seen many restrictions placed on our everyday life. Overnight employers and employees needed to quickly adapt to new ways of working and many businesses were forced to close under Government rules. At the start of...
International Women’s Day International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on 8th March 2022. This is a global day to celebrate the social, cultural, economic and political achievements of women, to raise awareness of bias and discrimination that can occur and...
Popular teamwork competency questions to prepare for Competency-based questions are asked during an interview to find out how you can demonstrate a specific skill required for the role in which you are applying. They are amongst some of the most common types of...
What is pay in lieu of notice (PILON)? There are times when an employee has resigned from their position, or the employee has been dismissed by the company and the company does not require the employee to work their notice as per their contract of employment. When...
Employee Retention – How do Flexible Benefits help? A businesses’ ability to retain employees, and prevent or reduce the number of employees who choose to leave the business, is known as Employee retention. Being able to increase, or having high employee retention has...
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – What it means for employers and employees 2022 is a special year for Her Majesty the Queen, as the country look to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee. The official date of the jubilee is Sunday 6th February 2022, but the celebration for this...
Preparing for the most common competency-based interview questions Competency-based questions are asked during an interview to find out how you have demonstrated a specific skill required for the role in which you are applying. You will need to draw on your own...
Common Values-based interview questions and how to answer them The values of an individual can be really personal and will largely be based on experiences and influences that have occurred during their lifetime, and the principles in which they have lived by. Although...
Common Behavioural Interview Questions and How to Answer Them Many interviews will now include a mixture of questions relating to both the task or technical aspects of a role as well as the behavioural aspects. Much of the time, you will be able to pick up what...
STAR Method – How to Answer Interview Questions the Right Way STAR is a method that is commonly used by candidates to help them to prepare for an interview. This method can be used to help layout and answer interview questions that require examples in a clear,...
In 2022 there are several Employment Law Changes that will take place. It is crucial all employers are aware of these. The changes include: Social Care Levy This is a new tax which is to provide funding for social care in the future. From April 2022 there is to be a...
Great Answers to the Question; What can you bring to the role? When preparing for an interview, it's always worth assuming that you will be asked a question that centres around what you could bring to the role. The aim of this question is usually to gain an...
How Employers Can Support Employees with Cancer World Cancer Day is celebrated on 4th February every year around the world. The purpose of this day is to help prevent deaths from Cancer, the purpose of the day is to be able to unite people and countries affected by...
Equality and Inclusion during the Recruitment Process During the recruitment process, companies must ensure that they abide by The Equality Act 2010, to ensure that they do not discriminate against any applicants. Discrimination is the unfair treatment of an...
New Year 2022 The new year can mean a new start for many – whether that be new year resolutions, a new hobby, perhaps a new house or a new job! For some, it can be an exciting time, and for others, it’s a time where they need extra support to look to the year ahead....
4 day working weeks – Are they as effective as people say In recent times, there have been many factors contributing to the conversation of the 4-day working week coming to the UK. There is becoming a wider acceptance that frequent, long hour days doesn’t necessarily...
Maternity Discrimination This is one all Employers should be wary of! When an employee is pregnant there are numerous rules and regulations to follow. If someone is seen to be treated unfairly because they are pregnant, breastfeeding or have recently given birth, they...
The Importance of the Candidate Experience When an organisation embarks on a recruitment programme, they are often looking for more than one outcome. The most obvious, and pressing, is to fill a specific vacancy, which has been identified either as a result of...
Protected Conversations Since July 2013, employers have legally been able to have an off the record discussion with an employee to discuss the idea of terminating their contract of employment. These are able to be done as a protected conversation. A protection...
Why this is a common question. This is a common interview question as the interviewer needs to ascertain why out of all the other candidates you should be offered the role and why you will be an asset to the organisation. This is one of many questions the interviewer...
What is a Line Manager and How to Become a Great One The Cambridge Dictionary defines a line manager as:- the person who is directly responsible for managing the work of someone else in a company or business, and who is one level above that person. Simple…sounds easy...
As an employer, you have a legal responsibility to ensure you are providing a safe and healthy workplace for your employees and any visitors, which could include customers and suppliers, and that you provide the correct training, health and safety equipment and...
The Benefits of Implementing an EAP – Employee Assistance Programme What is EAP? An EAP is a workplace wellness programme. The goal of an EAP is to provide employees with the tools and resources that they need to improve their mental health and help balance their...
How the Physical Office Environment Can Impact Mental Health On average the regular employee spends a third of each day in their workplace, and therefore it stands to reason that the condition of the physical working environment in which employees spend so much time...
The benefits of an email switch off policy An email switch off policy encourages all employees to log out of their work email accounts and intranets outside of their regular working hours. With many employees continuing to work from home or in hybrid working...
Employee Absence: What are your Rights as an Employer? Employee absence is a significant cost for many businesses, yet research suggests that only a minority of employers monitor that cost. Apart from annual holiday entitlement, an employee may need time off for the...
Strategies to Reduce Employee Absenteeism in the Workplace Absenteeism causes a financial burden to any business, as well as discontent amongst staff who are left to pick up the workload of an absent colleague. But there are things to be done to reduce absenteeism in...
All you need to know about Adoption, Surrogacy and Maternity leave Sometimes it can all seem a bit of a minefield for employers when it comes to statutory rights to time off for parents. With a variety of “options” and certain rules regarding notice to be given; it is...
What is HR software? HR software is a ‘human resource management system’ and essentially is a tool to make managing people easier. We are going to explore how it does this and what benefits it gives your business. Some big benefits: Time-Saving You have a...
How to answer 'Why are you applying for this position?' This is a common interview question as interviewers will try to ascertain your knowledge, passion and enthusiasm for the position applied for and also try to capture your knowledge of the company and industry. ...
Religion and Belief discrimination is illegal in the UK. Religion is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2021. Employees in the workplace can belong to various religions and have various beliefs. Employers have a duty to support employees regardless of...
This is a common interview question that many candidates will not understand the deeper meaning of, they may think this is a quick easy question I can answer by responding with ‘I have the skills in this area/field of work’ or ‘this is a position I am interested in...
What is Racism Race discrimination is when someone is unfairly disadvantaged for reasons related to their race, which as defined by the Equality Act 2021 includes, colour, nationality and ethnic or national origin. Race discrimination has been illegal in the UK since...
Ways to become a better leader As a leader, your most important role is to provide clear direction to your employees. A leader must ensure that their team members understand what their individual goal and the team goal is and how to work towards achieving them. To...
Job interviews can be nerve-racking, so it is important to prepare for them thoroughly – not just in terms of researching the company, but ensure you look at the job description in relation to what the company does, and think about how the duties may relate to the...
Developing in-house talent is critical to an organisation’s future, with businesses often finding it difficult to fill key roles with external candidates, recognising in-house potential and nurturing it, massively supports organisations in having the most effective...
What is an HR investigation and when is it needed? Sometimes employees in the workplace can make accusations against fellow colleagues or an employee’s conduct may be deemed inappropriate by managers; in these instances, as part of the process to resolve conduct...
“Tell me about your weaknesses” is the dreaded interview question that candidates hate or fear to be asked, but interviewers love to ask! Asking candidates during an interview what they would class as their weaknesses, is a popular question with all companies looking...
Having a diverse workplace is more than just good HR and the following of legal legislation, it looks at the value of each employee as an individual and ensuring that your organisation boasts an environment and culture where all employees feel included, able to...
World Suicide Prevention Day - 10th September World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on the 10th of September, it started in 2003 and is held annually on the same day every year. This day is recognised for businesses, government agencies, the media and others to be...
Getting candidates for a job opening may seem like an easy task, good hours, good salary, advertisement is promoted well and there you have it, however, those with the most skills within the talent pool know their worth and take a lot more than just good salary to...
Feeling confident, and doing well in an interview starts with preparation…and a great interview outfit that you feel comfortable in. When you receive that exciting invite, take note of the detail, paying particular attention to anything you need to do ready for the...
What is the HR department for? The Human Resources department deals with your most important resource: your people. This encompasses all your employees and potentially any workers, contractors or volunteers. With such a wide scope it helps to narrow this down and look...
Feeling confident, and doing well in an interview starts with preparation… and a great interview outfit that you feel comfortable in. When you receive that exciting invite, take note of the detail, paying particular attention to anything you need to do ready for the...
Some teams work amazingly together and other teams fall apart at the first hurdle. Teamwork is essential for smaller companies to perform their strategic tasks in order for them to be successful, having good teamwork allows companies to use a wider range of...
Stress is commonly understood to be a result of an individual experience of excessive pressure, with ‘stressors’ being the term used to describe an event, action or other element that directly triggers or contributes to such an experience. It is vital to note that...
Dressing to make a great impression at an interview is so important, as we tend to hold onto our first impressions of people, which can be hard to change later. What you wear to an interview can demonstrate to interviewers how you may present your own personal brand,...
Boris Johnson has announced from Monday 19th July 2021 England will be moving to the fourth and final stage of the roadmap on lifting lockdown restrictions that we have be adhering to over the last 16 months. The Government have said that the pandemic is not over and...
An eating disorder is a condition that affects the way people eat or perceive food. Eating Disorders can be complex and can affect people in different ways. An eating disorder is a serious mental illness which can affect people psychological, socially and physically....
What is an informal interview? An informal interview usually takes place in a more relaxed or casual setting – such as over coffee or lunch. They have less structure than a formal interview would and often, are more focused on getting to know you as a person, whether...
Significant strides have been taken over the past decade or two to support Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and plus (LGBTQ+) employees and create diverse and inclusive workplaces. These strides have allowed organisations to identify talent and increase...
Get ready to rock that interview outfit and make a great first impression! Why is wearing the right interview outfit so important? Think about the culture of the company you’re visiting, when choosing what to wear. Getting a feel for the business, can really help you...
Amid a global pandemic, we have seen change after change to the way we live and work, we find ourselves in a constant state of flux within “the new normal” looking to an uncertain future. However, COVID-19 has shown us the importance of flexibility, reactivity and...
Unfortunately, one in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage. A miscarriage can affect a woman and her partner in different ways, and both will need support and help from their employers if they suffer a miscarriage. However early a miscarriage takes place it is a loss...
It’s vital candidates know and understand how to flourish and succeed during an interview, and to understand the important role body language can play in obtaining a new role. Researchers have established a rule that verbal communication is only 7% of what people take...
Euro 2020 has taken over the nation as teams are underway in the long-awaited competition. Due to the pandemic this competition was cancelled last year but has been allowed, with restrictions, to go ahead this summer. The group stages have already been played and we...
The menopause is a natural occurrence for women which happens usually in a woman’s late forties or early fifties, however for some it can occur earlier or later. The first stage is what is known as the perimenopause which sometimes can be mistaken for early...
Face to Face interviews Vs Telephone Interviews Telephone interviews over the years have become more popular with employers recruiting. Many recruiters conduct their initial screening process and first interviews via a telephone call which can save employers time and...
Father’s Day in the UK, this year is celebrated Sunday 20th June. Father’s Day was inspired by the success and presence of Mother’s Day which began back in the early 20th Century. It is a day to honor fatherhood and parental bonds along with the influence of fathers...
Telephone interviews have become more popular over recent years with employers who are recruiting for roles. Using phone interviews helps recruiters to save time and lower the costs of the recruitment process, It also helps them to eliminate the weaker candidates that...
The UK Government have recently announced that Portugal is now on the Amber country travel list. This decision was made because of the increase in the cases of the variants of coronavirus in Portugal, including the Indian variant. Tourists from the UK are now...
What is a Hybrid workplace? A hybrid workplace consists of mixing remote working with office work. Hybrid working allows better flexibility as to when the work can be done and allows employees to fit their work in around their personal life; rather than attending the...
When the coronavirus pandemic hit the UK back in March 2020, overnight it caused disruption and changes to businesses. A lot of businesses have frozen recruitment due to the uncertainty the pandemic has bought with it, however many businesses are still recruiting...
The use of video calls for interviews has over the years started to become more popular, and since the Coronavirus pandemic hit the UK in March 2020, face to face interviews were almost impossible, and video interviewing become the overnight new way to recruit....
To hire non-UK resident workers, your organisation must hold a valid sponsorship licence. Getting a Sponsor licence is usually the “easy” part; but maintaining the sponsor licence is often harder because there are so many obligations, duties, and responsibilities...
To hire non-UK resident workers, your organisation must hold a valid sponsorship licence. If your business has ever thought about submitting an application to the Home Office to become a sponsor licence holder, then read on for some of the key considerations. Why...
Many employers and HR staff will be all too familiar with the importance of conducting compliant Right To Work checks in the UK. That being said, with more than £10.5 million in fines issued in the 3rd quarter of 2019, clearly (better) procedures need to be in place....
The world of work has been altered for millions of people over the last 18 months. For many the relationship with the office has been severed and we have developed a new paradigm that includes online meetings, less travel and lunches at home with the family. But for...
Another milestone and you have successfully completed your second interview. Your task or presentation is complete and hopefully, you have had a chance to meet more members of the team, however briefly. Current restrictions permitting, you will have been able to...
Returners are employees looking to return to the workplace following a career break, usually this is after a certain time period, so it is not just a return from parental leave or unpaid leave. Some employers can be hesitant to reemploy these employees as they can...
Since March 2020 when the Coronavirus pandemic hit the UK, many employees who have health issues were classified as clinically vulnerable, or extremely clinically vunerable, depending on their illness and were told to shield by the UK Government. From April 2021,...
In the UK more than 11 million people are living with hearing loss, there are different causes of hearing loss, these include: Exposure to loud noises Genetics Ear conditions Being born with deafness If someone is deaf or has hearing loss then under the Equality Act...
It is important that employers can prove, if required in an employment tribunal, that any redundancy criteria they have used when making redundancies, has been applied and scored fairly for all employees. The most popular redundancy criteria that are used are:...
For a lot of individuals, due to the ongoing pandemic, their office environment has moved online, and whilst this has changed many things about how we conduct meetings and how we go about communicating with clients and colleagues, one thing it has not changed is the...
Great news! You have been invited back for a second interview. This is so positive for a number of reasons. Obviously, you are a step nearer that role you are interested in, and have invested so much time in. Secondly, you are a credible candidate for this and for...
An employment tribunal has recently found an employer fairly dismissed an employee who refused to wear a face covering. The employee worked for a distribution company who transported food products from suppliers to customers. Due to the coronavirus pandemic one of the...
Understandably, when approaching an interview, the candidate focusses on how best to present themselves in terms of their skills, their experience, their behaviours and their competencies. Answering the questions put to you by the interviewer or panel is one way of...
A job interview is very much a two-way process and the interviewer will be looking for candidates to engage, and show curiosity about the organisation and the role. The best way of doing this is for the candidate to ask the interviewer questions. Generally, there is...
Long Covid The recovery rate from coronavirus can differ from person to person. Some have felt better in a week or two, some, unfortunately, have had symptoms that have lasted longer. Research conducted in October 2021 stated that an estimated 1.3 million people were...
Questions at interview generally follow a familiar pattern. The candidate will be asked questions about their career, their competencies, their behaviours and how much they know about the company. But these questions often do not give an interviewer sufficient...
What is Autism Autism affects how people view the world and interact with others, it is a lifelong developmental disability. It is not an illness or disease, it cannot be ‘cured’, if someone has autism then they have that condition for life. It is a spectrum condition...
Interviews can be like learning a new language, you prepare what you want to say, say it well and then comes the difficult bit – someone questions what you have just said – and they speak fast, and you are not too sure how to answer. You will have prepared well for...
LGBTQ+ refers to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer/questioning, with the plus sign signifying a desire to be inclusive. Transgender or Trans, the T in *LGBTQ+, is an umbrella term used to describe individuals whose gender is not the same as the sex they were...
Importance of Preparation: Interviews are generally stressful experiences, and there are ways of making them, if not enjoyable, at least more positive experiences. If you feel you do not interview strongly, think about your interview toolkit. What are you using to...
Domestic abuse is an awful crime that can deeply affect those involved. Usually domestic abuse occurs in the home, the impact of the abuse affects a victim’s life in every aspect, including their work. Recent research shows that one in five people have had to take...
After being away from the workplace for a while, employees may have worries and concerns about returning to work. Some have been off for several weeks others it could be months. The Health and Safety of employees must be a priority for all employers. Employers need to...
What is Mother’s Day? Mother’s Day is a day for daughters and sons to celebrate their Mothers. In the UK traditionally, it is called Mothering Sunday, this is the religious name, the day is related to Easter, as Mothering Sunday always falls on the fourth Sunday...
Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced his budget on 3rd March 2021. The main eight points for employers from his budget are: Furlough Scheme to be extended until 30th September 2021 Increase to Apprentice Incentive Payments Trainees grants Business Rates holiday extension...
Congratulations, the hard work with the CV, Application Form and/or direct approach to the organisation have paid off and you have been invited for an interview. You now need to persuade them that you are the right person for the role and you need to be specific about...
What is unconscious bias? Unconscious bias can be defined as judgements or prejudice that are considered unfair, either in favour of or against a person, group or action. Unconscious thoughts can be based on stereotypes or opinions that people do not realise they...
What is Self-Certification Self-Certification is a form that employers can ask employees to complete after they have been away from work due to sickness. A self-certification form can be used when an employee has been absent from work for seven working days or less....
Job sharing is when two employees share one full-time position. Job sharing is a form of flexible working as job sharers are part-time employees, however they are different in that they do not have a part-time job each. Job sharing involves the following being shared...
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