The 12 employee issues UK business owners should watch (and what to do first)

Why this matters

Most SME HR risk is not “one big mistake”. It’s small issues handled inconsistently.

The 12 issues

1.        Sickness absence and fit notes

2.        Performance management and PIPs

3.        Probation periods

4.        Holiday entitlement, carry-over, and records

5.        Disciplinary investigations

6.        Grievances (including “informal” complaints)

7.        Flexible working requests

8.        Family leave planning (maternity, paternity, parental leave)

9.        Pay, deductions, and overtime

10.  Redundancy planning and consultation

11.  Workplace conflict and communication breakdown

12.  Harassment and “banter” that crosses a line

A simple “risk filter” for business owners

Escalate to specialist help if any of these are present:

·      protected characteristic (age, sex, disability, etc.)

·      whistleblowing

·      harassment allegations

·      union activity

·      threat of legal action

Helpful links

·      ACAS advice hub: https://www.acas.org.uk/

·      GOV.UK employment: https://www.gov.uk/browse/working

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