SME’s

09 10 2025

World Mental Health Day 2025 – Managers & HR’s Role in Supporting Workplace Wellbeing

Matthew Chilcott Absence Management, Blog, General, Health & Safety, Training & Development #consensus hr, #worldhealthday, Business, Business Owners, HR, HR Advice, HR Consultant, HR Consultants, HR Support, Small Business, SME, SME's

📌 Thursday Blog – Awareness Day

World Mental Health Day – 10th October: Managers & HR’s Role in Supporting Teams

World Mental Health Day is marked every year on 10th October, raising awareness of the importance of mental health in the workplace.

Research by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) shows that stress, depression, and anxiety account for over half of all work-related ill health cases in the UK.

Employers have a legal duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to protect their employees’ wellbeing. Proactive HR can help by:

Implementing mental health policies
Training managers to spot early signs of stress
Offering Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs)
Promoting open conversations about wellbeing

Comment from Matthew Chilcott – Owner:
“Mental health is just as important as physical health. At Consensus HR, we help businesses create positive workplace cultures where people feel supported. This reduces absence, improves performance, and shows your team that you genuinely care.”

👉 Find out how Consensus HR can help: www.consensushr.com

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Important Health & Safety Update | Consensus HR in Herts & Beds

08 10 2025

Did You Know? Day-One Flexible Working Rights Now a Legal Requirement for UK Employers

Matthew Chilcott Blog, Employment Contracts, Employment Law, General, Health & Safety, Newsletter, Training & Development #consensus hr, #flexibleworking, Business, Business Owners, HR, HR Advice, HR Consultant, HR Consultants, HR Support, Small Business, SME, SME's

📌 Wednesday Blog – Did You Know – HR

Did You Know? Employers Must Offer Day-One Flexible Working Rights

From 6th April 2024, UK employment law made flexible working requests a day-one right. This means employees no longer need 26 weeks’ service to request changes to their working patterns.

Employers must:

Respond within two months
Give fair consideration to requests
Provide a valid reason if refusing

📌 For SMEs, this is a major change in workplace management. Having clear policies and training managers to handle requests correctly is vital to staying compliant.

Comment from Matthew Chilcott – Owner:
“Flexible working is no longer just a benefit; it’s a legal right. Businesses that handle requests fairly not only stay compliant but also improve staff retention and morale.”

👉 Need help updating your HR policies? Contact us today at www.consensushr.com.

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07 10 2025

Monthly HR blog Newsletter – September 2025 | Consensus HR, Herts, Beds

Matthew Chilcott Blog, Employment Contracts, Employment Law, General, Handbook, Newsletter #consensushr, #employmentlaw, #HRDept, #Newsletter, bedfordshire, Business, hertfordshire, HR, HR Advice, HR Consultant, HR Consultants, HR Support, SME, SME's, stevenage

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…

Since 6 April 2024, all employees in the UK now have a day-one right to request flexible working.
Employers must now respond to flexible working requests within two months (previously three months).
Employees can make two requests per year, instead of just one.
CIPD research (2025) found that 1.1 million employees left a job last year due to a lack of flexible working options.
Nearly 80% of over-50s in employment say they want more flexible working arrangements.
Studies show flexible working can reduce absenteeism and improve retention, especially for parents, carers, and older workers.

To read our article in full,

CLICK HERE

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:

Fully outsourced HR support, or small-scale solutions as needed
Employment contracts, handbooks, and compliant HR policies
Guidance on performance, disciplinary, grievance, absence, and mental health management
Employment law advice aligned with the latest UK legislation
A local, personal approach, not a distant call centre

👉 Learn more at www.consensushr.com

To read our latest post in full:

CLICK HERE

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:

CLICK HERE

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:

CLICK HERE

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:

CLICK HERE

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:

CLICK HERE

To view more about our range of HR & Employment Law Services

At Consensus HR, we are proud to offer a wide range of HR & Employment Law services to help our clients with all areas of best practice and Employment Law which can be found by clicking on the button:

Click Here

Are you concerned about keeping your business up to date with Employment Law changes?

If your business always wishes that it works in all areas to the benefit of the team and company and as an employer of choice, give us a call or email now for a non-obligatory chat. Consensus HR | Your Outsourced Human Resources and Employment Law Department | “Helping companies take the pain out of managing people whilst Preventing People Problems.” 01438 576750

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01 10 2025

Did You Know? Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Rules SMEs Must Follow

Matthew Chilcott Absence Management, Blog, General, Health & Safety, Payrol #HRDept, #ssp, Business, Business Owners, HR, HR Advice, HR Consultant, HR Consultants, HR Support, Small Business, SME, SME's

💡 Did You Know? HR Fact

Did You Know? Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Rules SMEs Must Follow

Did you know that Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in the UK must be paid to eligible employees from the 4th consecutive day of sickness absence? Many SMEs mistakenly believe it starts immediately or after a week, but not following the correct process can lead to legal risks.

SSP is currently £116.75 per week (2025–26 rates to be confirmed), and employers must have clear absence and sickness procedures in place.

Matthew Chilcott, FCIPD, says:
“A clear absence management policy, backed by proper documentation such as return-to-work forms, protects both the employer and employee. We support SMEs in creating compliant policies that reduce absence-related disputes.”

👉 Explore our HR Policies & Procedures Support

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30 09 2025

Preparing for Employment Law Changes: Why SMEs Need Proactive HR Support

Matthew Chilcott Blog, Employment Law, General #employmentlaw, Business, Business Owners, HR, HR Advice, HR Consultant, HR Consultants, HR Support, Small Business, SME, SME's

✅ HR Article

Preparing for Employment Law Changes: Why SMEs Need Proactive HR Support

Employment law in the UK continues to evolve, with recent updates such as the Employment Rights Bill 2025, which introduces day-one unfair dismissal protection, extended bereavement leave, and changes to flexible working. For SMEs, these changes bring new obligations and highlight the importance of keeping employee handbooks, contracts, and policies up to date.

At Consensus HR, we ensure all retained clients are fully prepared for these updates. From reviewing contracts to training managers, our proactive approach helps businesses avoid costly mistakes and tribunal claims.

Matthew Chilcott, FCIPD, ACEL, BA (Hons), Owner of Consensus HR, comments:
“Too often, SMEs only address employment law changes when problems arise. By working with Consensus HR, our clients remain compliant, confident, and focused on running their business, not fighting legal battles.”

👉 Learn more about our Outsourced HR Services
👉 Keep up to date with our Latest HR News

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Are you concerned about keeping your business up to date with Employment Law changes?

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25 09 2025

Did You Know HR UK? NDA Ban, Staff Retention Risks & Key Employment Law Updates | Consensus HR Herts & Beds

Matthew Chilcott Blog, Employment Contracts, Employment Law, General, Handbook, Newsletter #HRDept, Business, Business Owners, HR, HR Consultant, HR Consultants, HR Support, Small Business, SME, SME's

Did You Know HR? 🚀

Latest UK HR insights for business leaders & managers

What’s New in UK HR

2. Over Half of UK SMB Employees Are Considering Quitting
A recent Personio survey revealed that 54% of employees in small and medium businesses across the UK are thinking of leaving their roles. Main reasons include:

Unsatisfactory pay (33%)
Stressful work environments (29%)
Poor work-life balance (29%)
Lack of career progression (27%)

Flexibility also remains a deal-breaker, especially for younger workers, who are far more likely to leave if required to be in the office more than three days a week.
👉 Read more at TechRadar

3. Employment Law & Case Law Updates

Leicester City Council v Parmar [2025] EWCA Civ 952 – The Court of Appeal confirmed direct race discrimination, emphasising correct application of comparators and burden of proof.
HMRC v Taylors Services Ltd – Ruled that travel time for zero-hours workers does not always count as “working time” for National Minimum Wage purposes.
Holiday Pay Reforms – New rules on holiday pay calculation for irregular and part-year workers are in development.
👉 Read case updates

What This Means for Employers

Review NDAs & settlement agreements to ensure compliance with new legislation.
Re-evaluate retention strategies — addressing pay, wellbeing, flexibility, and career development to keep your best talent.
Check contracts & policies for zero-hours and irregular workers to avoid tribunal risk.
Stay ahead of upcoming law changes like the Employment Rights Bill.

Matthew Chilcott, Consensus HR

“The legal landscape in UK HR is changing fast. Practices that once seemed safe — like NDAs or rigid office policies — are under review. Employers who act now to adapt policies, build transparency, and prioritise people will not just remain compliant but gain a real business advantage.”
— Matthew Chilcott, Owner, Consensus HR

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24 09 2025

International Week of Happiness at Work – Why It Matters for SMEs | Consensus HR

Matthew Chilcott Blog, General, Health & Safety, Newsletter, Training & Development #internationalweekofhappiness, Business, Business Owners, HR Advice, HR Consultant, HR Consultants, HR Support, Small Business, SME, SME's

HR Awareness Day

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.

What can employers do?

Encourage open communication.
Recognise achievements.
Support employee wellbeing with flexible policies and mental health initiatives.

Comment from Matthew Chilcott – Owner of Consensus HR:

“Employee happiness is not a ‘nice to have’—it directly impacts performance and retention. At Consensus HR, we help SMEs build happier, more engaged workplaces through tailored HR solutions.”

🔗 Explore our approach to Managing Mental Health in the Workplace

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23 09 2025

Case Law Insight: ABC v Huntercombe (No. 12) Ltd – TUPE and Liability Transfer Clarified

Matthew Chilcott Employment Law, General, Newsletter #employmentlaw, Business, HR, HR Advice, HR Consultant, HR Consultants, HR Support, Small Business, SME, SME's

Latest UK HR Case Law

A recent and very important case for employers and HR professionals is ABC v Huntercombe (No. 12) Ltd and others. This 2025 High Court judgment provides clarity on liability transfer under the TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings, Protection of Employment) regulations.

Key Facts:

The claimant (referred to as “ABC”) brought a personal injury claim against Huntercombe (No. 12) Ltd, where she had been a patient.
The injurious acts were alleged to have been caused by two employees of Huntercombe.
Before the claim was made, the business—including the employees in question—was transferred to Active Young People Ltd (AYP) under TUPE.
The central issue: whether AYP inherited vicarious liability for the pre-transfer acts of those employees.

Judgment:

The High Court held that vicarious liability for torts committed before a transfer does not transfer under TUPE. The court emphasised that liability to third parties for actions predating the transfer remains with the original employer.

Key Takeaways for Employers:

Due diligence is vital—when taking on a business (and staff) under TUPE, be clear which liabilities are transferred and which remain with the transferor.
Insurance and indemnities should be carefully reviewed—new employers should ensure protective provisions are in place for pre-transfer liabilities.
Contracts and policies must explicitly address such liability scenarios to avoid unexpected exposure.

Comment from Matthew Chilcott – Owner of Consensus HR:

“The ABC v Huntercombe ruling serves as a sharp reminder for employers to audit all potential legacy liabilities during TUPE transfers. At Consensus HR, we help businesses navigate these complexities and safeguard them against unanticipated claims.”

🔗 For more insight on TUPE management and obligations, see our TUPE guide: Consensus HR – TUPE Services

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18 09 2025

Did You Know? Statutory Redundancy Pay in the UK | Consensus HR in Herts & Beds

Matthew Chilcott Blog, Employment Law, General, Redundancy #consensushr, #redundancy, Business, Business Owners, HR, HR Advice, HR Consultants, HR Support, Small Business, SME, SME's

Did You Know? – HR Fact

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.

Comment from Matthew Chilcott – Owner of Consensus HR:

“Many SMEs don’t realise how statutory redundancy pay works until they’re in the middle of a restructure. At Consensus HR, we ensure our clients are fully prepared and compliant, helping them avoid costly mistakes.”

🔗 Learn more about redundancy and HR compliance here: Consensus HR Services

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17 09 2025

Disability Discrimination Claims on the Rise: Why SMEs Must Strengthen HR Policies | Consensus HR in Herts & Beds

Matthew Chilcott Blog, Disciplinary & Grievance, Employment Contracts, Employment Law, General, Training & Development #discrimination, Business, Business Owners, HR, HR Advice, HR Consultant, HR Consultants, HR Support, Small Business, SME, SME's

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.

🔗 See how we can help: Employment Law – Consensus HR

👉 Follow us:

#EmploymentLaw #HRCompliance #ConsensusHR

To view more about our range of HR & Employment Law Services

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16 09 2025

Workplace Wellbeing: Boost Retention, Productivity & Reduce Absence | Consensus HR in Herts & Beds

Matthew Chilcott Blog, General, Health & Safety, Newsletter Business, Business Owners, HR, HR Advice, HR Consultant, HR Consultants, HR Support, Small Business, SME, SME's

Awareness & Support: Workplace Wellbeing

🌍 Workplace Wellbeing Matters
Businesses that invest in employee wellbeing benefit from:
✔ Better retention
✔ Higher productivity
✔ Reduced absences

At Consensus HR, we help companies create policies that build healthier, happier teams.

💬 Matthew Chilcott – Owner, Consensus HR – comments:
“Supporting wellbeing in the workplace isn’t just good for people – it’s good for business. With the right HR foundations, you can build a resilient team and reduce costs.”

🔗 Learn more about how we support businesses: HR Services – Consensus HR

👉 Connect with us:

#WellbeingAtWork #HRSupport #ConsensusHR

To view more about our range of HR & Employment Law Services

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Are you concerned about keeping your business up to date with Employment Law changes?

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10 09 2025

Supporting Staff Well-Being on World Suicide Prevention Day – 10 September | Consensus HR in Herts & Beds

Matthew Chilcott Blog, General, Health & Safety #suicide, Business, Business Owners, HR, HR Advice, HR Consultant, HR Consultants, HR Support, Small Business, SME, SME's

At Consensus HR, our commitment goes beyond employment law and HR compliance—we believe in nurturing the well-being of every individual in the workplace community. On World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September), we stand united with a global effort to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and inspire hope for those silently struggling.

What is World Suicide Prevention Day?

Established in 2003, World Suicide Prevention Day is observed annually on 10 September, coordinated by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) with collaboration from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH).

This day serves as a powerful reminder that suicide can be prevented, and that together we can create supportive environments where individuals feel safe to speak out and seek help.

Why This Matters for Organisations

Destigmatise mental health: Create a workplace culture where everyone feels safe expressing their struggles.
Provide support frameworks: Ensure managers are equipped with the tools and knowledge to respond with empathy and action.
Foster resilience: Accessible resources and open dialogue help build environments where individuals feel seen and valued.

Consensus HR’s Approach to Well-Being

We embed support into every level of our HR delivery:

HR compliance and policies that respect and promote mental health.
Employee relations guidance that emphasises empathy, understanding, and resolution.
Tailored HR support for SMEs—so internal wellbeing doesn’t fall by the wayside amid growing business demands.

👉 Discover how we help businesses thrive—not just operationally, but emotionally:

A Word from Matthew Chilcott

“On World Suicide Prevention Day, we want to affirm that each individual’s life matters. In the workplace, openness and kindness can be lifesaving. We’re here to support employers in building cultures where mental health is taken seriously and where reaching out for help is a sign of strength—not weakness.”
— Matthew Chilcott, Consensus HR

How Employers Can Act Today

Action	Description
Share Mental Health Resources	Promote access to support services—EAPs, helplines, and organisations like Samaritans and Mind.
Train Management Teams	Equip leaders with awareness and intervention skills to notice early warning signs.
Communicate Openly	Organise a team meeting or share blog posts emphasising support and solidarity.
Review Policies	Reflect on policies around absence, workload, and flexibility—highlight supportive and compassionate practices.

Stay Connected

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