Managers at AstraZeneca knew one of their team was struggling. They described him as a “broken individual.” They still dismissed him for gross misconduct. The Tribunal found that wasn’t good enough. For employers trying to support employee wellbeing, this case…

Most workplaces now have wellbeing support in place. Employee Assistance Programmes. Mental health resources. Flexible working policies. Private medical cover. But having the right workplace wellbeing culture to encourage people to use it is a different challenge entirely. And yet…

A recent Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) decision has highlighted how a conditional job offer employment contract can arise earlier than many employers may expect, even where checks and onboarding steps are still ongoing. In Kankanalapalli v Loesche Energy Systems Ltd,…

With the UK’s e-invoicing mandate due to come into effect in 2029, mandatory e-invoicing is becoming another area independent HR consultants may need to start paying closer attention to. Running your own HR consultancy means balancing more than client delivery…

The way an unfair dismissal process is handled can have a significant impact on the overall outcome. An employment tribunal case involving Estcourt v Morrison Energy Services Ltd highlights this clearly. The case resulted in a significant compensation award following…

A recent unfair dismissal tribunal case shows how employment tribunals look closely not only at the reason for dismissal, but also at how workplace decisions were reached over time. In Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust v Mamode (2026),…

HR consultancies are built on trust. Trust in your advice. Trust in your interpretation of legislation. Trust in your ability to handle sensitive situations calmly and professionally. The challenge is that trust normally takes time to build. Podcasting can accelerate…

I’ve become increasingly convinced that one of the most powerful — and underrated — leadership qualities is compassionate curiosity. Not just curiosity. And not just compassion. But the deliberate combination of the two. Because here’s the truth: as leaders, especially…

Workforce cutbacks have become a familiar feature of the current business landscape. Hiring freezes, restructures and redundancies are being driven by economic pressure, rising costs and ongoing uncertainty. Many leaders are making these decisions with limited information, competing priorities and…

The Employment Rights Bill has now passed through Parliament and is awaiting Royal Assent. Once that final constitutional step is completed, it will become law, marking one of the most significant reforms of UK employment legislation in a generation. Much…

Transformation, Trust & the Human Return: A reflection on HR in 2025 At HRi, we champion independent HR and People professionals — the trusted experts who enable organisations to thrive with confidence. As 2025 draws to a close, the story…

As employment law continues to evolve, it’s essential for both HR professionals and employers to stay ahead of the curve. While keeping up with changes in employment law is critical, learning from employment tribunal lessons from 2025 is equally important….

Every December, offices, workshops and Zoom screens start to buzz with talk of the Christmas party. It’s the time to celebrate the year’s achievements, thank their people for another year of hard work and let the team unwind. But while…

There comes a point for many independent HR consultants when the business starts to take off, but so does the exhaustion. You’re delivering great work for your clients, but your to-do list never seems to shrink. You end each week…

So, you’ve taken the leap. You’ve gone independent. Surviving your first year as an independent HR consultant is a rollercoaster — equal parts excitement, freedom, and the odd wobble of self-doubt. One week you’re buzzing with a new client win,…

When it comes to people issues, timing matters. Early HR intervention can make the difference between a quick fix and a costly problem. For SMEs, getting HR advice early isn’t just good practice; it’s one of the smartest investments you…

So, you’re thinking about going independent as an HR consultant. Exciting, isn’t it? The thought of calling the shots, choosing your clients, and working the way you want. No corporate politics. No endless sign-off chains. Just you, your expertise, and…

Menopause is becoming an increasingly important workplace conversation, raising a crucial question for employers and HR professionals: can menopause be a disability at work? A recent Employment Tribunal case, Ms Julia Miller v University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust (2025),…