A J HR and Training Solutions

A J HR and Training Solutions We support small to medium sized businesses, mainly based in Berkshire and Oxfordshire with HR and Training. How can we support you!

From adhoc HR and Training to being on a retainer package. Performance through people,

With the Autumn Budget expected in October, now is the time for businesses to prepare, not panic.Every Budget has the po...
04/09/2026

With the Autumn Budget expected in October, now is the time for businesses to prepare, not panic.

Every Budget has the potential to bring changes that affect employers, whether that's employment legislation, National Insurance, pensions, business costs or workforce planning.

For small businesses in particular, even relatively small changes can have a significant impact on budgets, recruitment plans and day-to-day operations.

While we don't yet know exactly what will be announced, there are a few sensible steps you can take now:

✔️ Review your staffing budgets for the remainder of the financial year.
✔️ Check your employment contracts and HR policies are up to date.
✔️ Consider any recruitment or pay reviews you have planned.
✔️ Keep an eye on proposed employment law changes that may affect your business.

The key is to stay informed and be ready to adapt, rather than waiting until changes come into force.

As always, we'll be keeping a close eye on the announcements and breaking down what they mean in plain English, so you can focus on running your business with confidence.

If you're unsure how any upcoming changes could affect your organisation, we're here to help.

In the UK, full-time employees are legally entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid holiday per year, that’s 28 days, which can inc...
01/09/2026

In the UK, full-time employees are legally entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid holiday per year, that’s 28 days, which can include bank holidays.

Part-time staff are entitled to the same pro-rata. For example, someone working 3 days a week is entitled to 16.8 days.

So, why does this matter?

Many businesses under-allocate leave, especially for part-time staff, risking non-compliance

Getting this wrong can lead to grievances, tribunal claims, or expensive back-pay liabilities

HR should ensure contracts, holiday systems, and staff handbooks are aligned with the law

If you’re not sure, or would like someone to check your staff holiday entitlement compliance, get in touch.

Parental leave isn't just a benefit; it's a legal right that employers must handle with care.A recent Employment Tribuna...
28/08/2026

Parental leave isn't just a benefit; it's a legal right that employers must handle with care.

A recent Employment Tribunal award of around £1.45 million in a case involving the dismissal of an employee while on paternity leave has highlighted the importance of getting parental leave decisions right.

While every case depends on its own facts, it serves as a timely reminder for employers to review how they manage maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave.

Here are a few questions every business should be asking:

- Are your managers confident in handling conversations around parental leave?
- Are decisions about performance, promotions or redundancy clearly documented and evidence-based?
- Are your policies up to date and compliant with current employment law?
- Could you demonstrate that employees taking family leave are treated fairly and consistently?

Supporting employees through major life events isn't just about compliance - it's about building trust, retaining talented people and creating a positive workplace culture.

If you're unsure whether your policies or management processes are up to scratch, now is a good time to review them before they become a problem.

Need a second opinion on your HR policies? We'd be happy to help.

Think HR is just for big companies? Think again. If you’re doing ANY of the following, it might be time to bring in HR s...
25/08/2026

Think HR is just for big companies? Think again. If you’re doing ANY of the following, it might be time to bring in HR support:

✅ Hiring your first employees
✅ Writing contracts or policies
✅ Facing conflict or complaints
✅ Managing performance issues
✅ Navigating sick leave or redundancies
✅ Wanting to build a strong, healthy culture

HR isn’t just about compliance, it’s about protecting your business and empowering your people.

Don’t wait for a problem to escalate. The right advice early on can save you time, money, and stress later.

HR can be a tricky business; there are laws to uphold, procedures to follow and much more, which is why outsourcing to a...
21/08/2026

HR can be a tricky business; there are laws to uphold, procedures to follow and much more, which is why outsourcing to a company that you trust is really important.

We love working with businesses of all sizes, supporting them in all areas of HR, so if you are looking for some advice, or guidance, please do get in touch.

Would your managers know what to do if a member of their team was struggling with their mental health?Managers are often...
18/08/2026

Would your managers know what to do if a member of their team was struggling with their mental health?

Managers are often in a position to notice changes in an employee’s behaviour, performance or wellbeing. But recognising that something isn’t quite right and knowing how to approach the conversation are two very different things.

Our Online Mental Health Skills for Managers course on 25th August, led by Tracey Palmer-Hole, is designed to give managers the practical skills and confidence to support their teams effectively.

During the course, you’ll learn how to:

✔ Understand mental health and the impact stress can have in the workplace
✔ Recognise when a team member may be experiencing poor mental health
✔ Have open and confident conversations about mental health
✔ Respond with empathy in challenging situations
✔ Signpost employees to appropriate support
✔ Understand the support and guidance available for both managers and employees

Managers don’t need to have all the answers. But knowing how to start the conversation and where to find the right support can make a real difference.

📅 25th August | Online
💷 £160 + VAT per person (£192 including VAT)

Book your place via the MHFA England link below:
https://mhfaengland.org/instructors/tracey-palmer-hole/ad26-2627-221682/

Did you know that August is National Wellness Month?We believe that a thriving business starts with thriving people. Nat...
17/08/2026

Did you know that August is National Wellness Month?

We believe that a thriving business starts with thriving people. National Wellness Month is the perfect opportunity to encourage healthy habits, promote mental well-being, and prioritise work-life balance; all key ingredients for happier, more productive teams.
Whether it's through flexible work policies, mental health resources, or team wellbeing initiatives, we’re passionate about supporting the whole employee, not just the job title.

- Encourage daily movement
- Support mental health conversations
- Promote healthy routines at work
- Recognise burnout before it spreads
- Celebrate small wins in wellbeing

Let’s make wellness more than a buzzword, let’s make it a habit.

How is your company supporting employee wellness this August? Let’s inspire each other.

It's National Dog Month! Meet our Head of Barketing - Winnie! Like many small business owners, we spend plenty of time j...
15/08/2026

It's National Dog Month!

Meet our Head of Barketing - Winnie!

Like many small business owners, we spend plenty of time juggling meetings, emails and deadlines, but Winnie is always on hand to remind us to take a break, stretch our legs and enjoy a little fresh air.

As HR professionals, we know that employee wellbeing isn't just about policies and procedures. Sometimes it's the simple things; taking a proper lunch break, getting outside for a walk, or having a furry companion to brighten your day -that can make a real difference to your mental wellbeing and productivity.

Whether you work from home or in the office, don't underestimate the value of stepping away from your desk for 10 minutes. You might come back feeling more focused, more creative and ready to tackle the rest of your day.

So this National Dog Month, here's to our four-legged colleagues who keep us smiling, encourage us to move more, and never judge us for talking to ourselves during a Teams call! 🐾

Now, we have to ask...

Does your workplace have a furry mascot? Share a photo in the comments - we'd love to meet them!

Could your workplace benefit from a qualified Mental Health First Aider?Mental health is just as important as physical h...
12/08/2026

Could your workplace benefit from a qualified Mental Health First Aider?

Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet many people still struggle to access support when they need it most. By training as a Mental Health First Aider, you can help create a more supportive, open, and resilient workplace.

Join our Mental Health First Aider Online Course led by Tracey Palmer-Hole (Assoc CIPD), running on:
📅 19th & 20th August
(Both days must be attended to complete the course.)

Through a mixture of instructor-led learning, group discussions, and practical activities, you'll gain the confidence and skills to:

✔️ Recognise the signs of poor mental health and provide first-level support
✔️ Encourage individuals to access appropriate professional help
✔️ Practise active listening and empathy
✔️ Have informed conversations around mental health and reduce stigma
✔️ Understand the MHFAider® role, including boundaries and confidentiality
✔️ Support your own wellbeing through self-care
✔️ Access ongoing support through the MHFAider Support App® and MHFA England resources

Whether you're a manager, HR professional, wellbeing champion, or simply passionate about supporting others, this course provides invaluable skills that can make a real difference.

💷 Cost: £325 + VAT per person (£390 including VAT)
🎟️ Book your place:
https://mhfaengland.org/instructors/tracey-palmer-hole/ad19-2627-221680/

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Reading

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441183240479

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