Offboarding Process UK: How Proper Offboarding Protects You From Legal Action When you do not manage the offboarding process UK employers are expected to follow, the legal risk does not end when someone leaves. Former employees can still bring claims for unfair dismissal, breach of contract or discrimination if they believe their exit was handled […]
How to Handle an Employee Who Goes AWOL: A Guide for Small Business Owners in 2026 It can be worrying and frustrating to deal with unauthorised absence in the UK, especially when an employee suddenly stops attending work and does not respond to any attempts to contact them. For small businesses, this creates operational pressure […]
As we move into 2026, the world of work is shifting faster than ever. Because of this, some changes will create challenges, while others will offer opportunities to streamline your processes and support your team more effectively. By understanding what’s coming, you can prepare early and avoid unnecessary disruption. 1. AI Becomes Part of Everyday […]
When an employee approaches you with serious concerns about wrongdoing, the situation can feel overwhelming. Because of this, many people hesitate to speak up. However, whistleblowing is vital because it protects the public, your business and your employees. As a result, you must handle each disclosure carefully, confidently and in line with the law. Whistleblowing […]
How to Handle a Client Complaint About Your Team in 2026 Even the best businesses receive client complaints from time to time. When a complaint is about a specific team member, the situation becomes more sensitive. You need to protect the client relationship while also treating your employee fairly and following a consistent HR process. […]
Hiring someone new is always a risk. Even with a strong CV and a great interview, sometimes your instincts start warning you early on, often within the first few weeks. That’s exactly why probation periods exist. But managing probation fairly while protecting your small business can feel daunting. The good news is that with a […]
December always has its own energy in small businesses and I think this month’s newsletter catches that mix quite well. It’s the time of year where everything feels both wrapped up and slightly on the edge. People are tired, some are stressed, and managers are trying to keep things steady while also planning for January. […]
Political and social debates will continue to shape conversations as we move into 2026. Because of this, these discussions are appearing more frequently in the workplace. As a result, many small businesses are now dealing with tension they never experienced before. However, with the right approach, you can protect your culture while still treating everyone […]
Running a small business already involves juggling urgent tasks, client needs and daily operations. However, when HR issues only get attention after problems appear, they quickly become more stressful and more expensive. As a result, reactive HR drains time and energy that you could use elsewhere. As we enter 2026, shifting to a proactive HR […]
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Navigating dismissals can be tricky for small businesses especially when the situation doesn’t fit neatly under conduct, capability, or redundancy. That’s where “some other substantial reason” (SOSR) comes in. It’s a legitimate, but often misunderstood, reason for dismissal under UK employment law.
This article explains what SOSR means, when it applies, and how SME owners can handle these cases fairly and lawfully. From ending fixed-term contracts to managing personality clashes or contractual changes, Beagle HR breaks down the essentials so you can protect your business and your people.