Briefings

HR thinking, minus the waffle.

Short, honest guides from the studio — written for founders in the middle of it.

Can I dismiss someone for poor performance in the UK?

Step-by-step guide to fair dismissal for poor performance in the UK. Capability procedure, warnings, ERA 2025 changes, and when to involve solicitor-led HR support.

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Everyday HR10 min

Employee off sick — what can I do as an employer?

What UK employers can do when an employee is off sick. SSP rules, long-term sickness absence, Occupational Health, capability dismissal, and how ERA 2025 changes affect sickness management.

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ERA 202512 min

Employment Rights Act 2025 — what do employers need to do?

What UK employers need to do about the Employment Rights Act 2025. Unfair dismissal after 6 months, uncapped compensation, day-one family rights, and practical steps for small businesses.

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When you need Bonsai9 min

I gave shares to my employee but didn't get a shareholders' agreement — what now?

Gave shares to an employee without a shareholders' agreement? Here are your options for share buy-back, constitutional tidy-up, and managing the employment exit without creating a bigger mess.

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Everyday HR10 min

How to handle a grievance as a small business (UK)

Step-by-step grievance procedure for UK small businesses. ACAS Code of Practice, common mistakes, when grievances overlap with disciplinaries and sickness, and when to involve a solicitor.

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When you need Bonsai9 min

Should I make my star employee a director?

Thinking about making a star employee a director? What UK law says about statutory directors, the risks of casual board appointments, alternatives to director status, and how to do it properly.

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