Have we seen the end of human receptionists at the front desk? Has AI in customer-facing processes removed the need for human receptionists? Reception work has always been technology-assisted. Switchboards replaced runners, voicemail handled missed calls, and digital calendars simplified scheduling. AI is now taking over, so could we be witnessing the final phase of this long evolution? Modern AI reception systems can answer incoming calls, route them intelligently, book appo

The new National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) become effective from the beginning of April. These changes have significant consequences for workers, employers and the national economy. However, at a time of rapid geopolitical change, soaring energy costs and exponential adoption of AI, UK workers may continue to feel that they are running to stand still. As we turned into 2026, early signs were that growth was likely, with inflation falling towards the go

April 6th marks the next major milestone in the rollout of reforms under the Employment Rights Act 2025. We comment on these changes, and what businesses and their HR departments should be doing in preparation. Major reforms to parental rights, day-one employment rights and statutory sick pay (SSP) are coming next month. Here’s a look at each in more detail, together with a summary of what businesses can do to ensure that they remain compliant with the new legislation. 1.

Our lighthearted look at HR issues in the workplace.

Our monthly HR and employment law update . February's newsletter forecasts what might happen within the UK labour market over the rest of the year. We also comment on employee engagement and what businesses might do to develop a secure, fulfilled workforce in turbulent economic and political times.

Our monthly HR and employment law update . January's newsletter is a special edition that focuses solely on the Employment Rights Act 2025 following it becoming law in December. It includes our recent article on how employers have reacted to the Act's introduction, along with an at-a-glance summary of the major changes. We also offer some practical tips for what businesses should be doing to plan and implement the changes the Act will mandate this year and next.

Royal Assent passes the Employment Rights Bill into law After months of debate between the two chambers, the Bill passed into law, just as the Houses rose for the Christmas recess. Though there remains a period of consultation and secondary legislation, it is expected that most of the Act’s provisions will be phased in during 2026 and 2027. Reaction from employees and Trade Unions has generally been positive, with workers acknowledging that the Act allows more job security, m

Our monthly HR and employment law update . December's newsletter includes our recent article on job hugging , along with some practical tips for how businesses might better manage the dramatic increase in sickness absence seen since the pandemic. We also provide latest news on the Employment Rights Bill as it continues to bounce between the Lords and Commons. Despite Royal Assent looking less likely before the Christmas recess, there's still plenty to be done in readiness for

Job hugging refers to when employees remain in their current roles because of fear, inertia, or a lack of opportunities elsewhere. Unlike quiet quitters , job huggers often perform well, but their motivation stems from uncertainty rather than fulfilment. This can lead to problems for employers through false perceptions of loyalty and engagement. Economic headwinds such as the increase in employer National Insurance contributions have weakened the labour market and slowed