Monthly HR blog Newsletter – September 2025 | Consensus HR, Herts, Beds
Welcome to Consensus HR’s monthly blog recap! In this edition, we will be revisiting some of the key discussions from our September 2025 blogs. Here’s a selection of topics we covered:
- Did You Know? | Flexible Working in 2025 – Day-One Right, Employment Law Updates & HR Support:
- Take the Pain Out of People Management: Why SMEs Without HR Should Turn to Consensus HR:
- Did You Know HR UK? NDA Ban, Staff Retention Risks & Key Employment Law Updates:
- Did You Know? Statutory Redundancy Pay in the UK:
- Disability Discrimination Claims on the Rise: Why SMEs Must Strengthen HR Policies:
Thank you for joining us for this month’s recap. We hope these discussions provide valuable insights and actionable strategies for your HR practices. Stay tuned for more informative blogs in the coming months!
Did You Know? | Flexible Working in 2025 – Day-One Right, Employment Law Updates & HR Support:
📌 Did you know…
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Since 6 April 2024, all employees in the UK now have a day-one right to request flexible working.
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Employers must now respond to flexible working requests within two months (previously three months).
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Employees can make two requests per year, instead of just one.
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CIPD research (2025) found that 1.1 million employees left a job last year due to a lack of flexible working options.
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Nearly 80% of over-50s in employment say they want more flexible working arrangements.
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Studies show flexible working can reduce absenteeism and improve retention, especially for parents, carers, and older workers.
To read our article in full,
Take the Pain Out of People Management: Why SMEs Without HR Should Turn to Consensus HR:
For SMEs navigating the complex world of employment regulations, contracts, performance issues, and people management—without any dedicated HR support—it can feel overwhelming. That’s where Consensus HR steps in as your trusted local partner, delivering expert, outsourced HR and employment law services tailored to your business’s size and needs.
What Consensus HR Offers You
Based in Stevenage and serving Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridge, Luton, Milton Keynes, and beyond, Consensus HR provides:
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Fully outsourced HR support, or small-scale solutions as needed
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Employment contracts, handbooks, and compliant HR policies
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Guidance on performance, disciplinary, grievance, absence, and mental health management
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Employment law advice aligned with the latest UK legislation
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A local, personal approach, not a distant call centre
👉 Learn more at www.consensushr.com
To read our latest post in full:
Did You Know HR UK? NDA Ban, Staff Retention Risks & Key Employment Law Updates:
Did You Know HR? 🚀
Latest UK HR insights for business leaders & managers
What’s New in UK HR
1. NDA Ban for Harassment & Discrimination
The UK government has announced that non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) used to silence victims of harassment or discrimination will soon be made void under changes to the Employment Rights Bill. Confidentiality clauses in settlement agreements that prevent employees from speaking about workplace misconduct will no longer be enforceable.
👉 Read more at The Guardian
To read our latest article in full:
International Week of Happiness at Work – Why It Matters for SMEs:
HR Awareness Day
From 23rd – 27th September 2025, organisations around the world celebrate the International Week of Happiness at Work. This initiative encourages businesses to create positive, healthy, and engaging workplaces.
Why does this matter for SMEs?
Happier employees are more productive.
Reduced absence and turnover save businesses money.
Stronger workplace culture supports recruitment and retention.
To read our article in full:
Did You Know? Statutory Redundancy Pay in the UK:
Did You Know? – HR Fact
When it comes to redundancy, many business owners are unaware of the exact legal requirements.
Under UK law, statutory redundancy pay is calculated based on age, length of service, and weekly pay (capped at £700 from 6 April 2024). Employees must have at least two years’ continuous service to qualify.
This means:
1.5 weeks’ pay for each year of service over age 41.
1 week’s pay for each year between ages 22 and 40.
0.5 week’s pay for each year under age 22.
📌 Employers should ensure they calculate redundancy entitlements correctly to avoid legal disputes.
To read our article in full:
Disability Discrimination Claims on the Rise: Why SMEs Must Strengthen HR Policies:
HR Fact: Discrimination Claims
📊 Did You Know?
Employment Tribunal claims for disability discrimination remain one of the highest in the UK. This highlights the need for fair processes and robust HR policies.
💬 Matthew Chilcott – Owner, Consensus HR – comments:
“Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to Employment Law. Having the right contracts, policies and procedures in place is essential to protecting both your people and your business.”
🔗 See how we can help: Employment Law – Consensus HR
To read the article in full:
To view more about our range of HR & Employment Law Services
Are you concerned about keeping your business up to date with Employment Law changes?
Your Outsourced Human Resources (HR) Department.
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