Diane Mactavish HR Dept

17/06/2026

From stock market IPOs to the threat of advanced computer hacking, AI is never out of the news. It is a big thing in businesses generally, and HR specifically, too: with AI automation being used for a whole host of tasks, often poorly.

Creating and placing job adverts; CV screening; candidate scoring; production of HR documentation such as employment contracts; and procedural communication, for instance in a disciplinary or grievance process.

For all its efficiency, AI has a number of downsides: data protection, human redundancies, inaccuracy and hallucination, and what we're going to focus on in this blog: bias:

From stock market IPOs to the threat of advanced computer hacking, AI is never out of the news. It is a big thing in businesses generally, and HR…

15/06/2026

This week is Learning Disability Week!

At The HR Dept, we’re proud to champion workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. People with learning disabilities bring valuable perspectives and strengths that enrich businesses and communities alike.

If you need support creating a more inclusive workplace, we’re here to help.

12/06/2026

Cast a look over the Employment Rights Act, and when it comes to the biggest change – the expanded unfair dismissal rights for employees – you’d be forgiven for thinking you don’t have to do anything until 2027.

But you’d be wrong.

This week's blog explains why changes need to be made now, and what those changes are: https://www.hrdept.co.uk/knowledge-hub/blog/unfair-dismissals-why-1st-july-is-so-important-for-employers

10/06/2026

Currently, employees need to have two years of continuous service for ordinary unfair dismissal protection. A tribunal may make a basic award plus a capped compensatory award, and you still have to establish a fair reason (conduct, capability/performance, redundancy, statutory illegality/ breach of law, SOSR) and follow a reasonable procedure.

From January 2027, this is set to change. The qualifying period will reduce to just six months, and compensation awards will no longer be capped.

You might think you still have six months to prepare, but in reality, your business should be taking action by 1st July.

Our latest blog explains this in more detail, along with the steps you should take to prepare:

Cast a look over the Employment Rights Act, and when it comes to the biggest change – the expanded unfair dismissal rights for employees – you’d be…

05/06/2026

Navigating protests and unrest in the workplace isn’t new, but today’s employers need to be clear and proactive to keep conversations respectful and workplaces running smoothly.

Our latest blog explains how you can do this: https://www.hrdept.co.uk/knowledge-hub/blog/unrest-and-protests-managing-the-social-climate-in-workplaces

03/06/2026

From Roman “decimation” to modern-day protests, managing workplace unrest has come a long way… thankfully.

But while employers can’t (and shouldn’t) control what people think, you can set clear expectations for how those views are expressed at work.

Getting this right isn't always easy, but being proactive can help prevent issues from escalating.

Read our latest blog to learn more:

How have employers dealt with civil strife and dissent historically? Roman legions had a policy of decimation whereby one in every ten soldiers was…

03/06/2026

Happy Pride Month from all of us at The HR Dept!

We proudly stand with the LGBTQ+ community and are committed to helping our clients build inclusive, supportive workplaces for everyone.

03/06/2026

This week, we’re celebrating the incredible contributions volunteers make to communities across the UK. With more than one in four people volunteering each month, their impact plays a vital role in shaping our society.

While volunteers aren’t employees, there are still important HR considerations to keep in mind and that’s where we can help.

29/05/2026

Whilst many can’t wait for this year’s football World Cup to kick off, it can also bring a range of HR challenges for employers.

Read our latest blog to explore what these challenges are – and how to handle them: https://www.hrdept.co.uk/knowledge-hub/blog/will-you-be-a-championship-manager-during-the-2026-world-cup

27/05/2026

The football world cup commences on June 11th, giving employers more to think about. Will you be a world class manager this summer as you guide your team through the HR considerations of a football world cup?

With most games kicking off after 8pm (due to the time differences, and counting early hours games as part of the night before), the biggest challenge may come for businesses running night shifts with footy-mad employees. 11pm, 2am and 3am games will be routine.

Even if your business runs during daylight hours this will still present problems. Droopy eyes and hangovers are no less desirable after a football match than your office Christmas party.

That said, a football world cup is something that captures the imagination of the whole country. So there is much to be said for striking the balance between embracing it and upholding standards. Here are some tips for doing just that:

Pep Guardiola has just left Manchester City after ten years of unprecedented success. Thomas Tuchel is being paid to lead England to glory in the USA.…