FAQs

What is considered workplace harassment?

Workplace harassment is any unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic (e.g., age, race, sex, disability, religion) that creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. Harassment can include verbal, physical, or non-verbal behaviour and can involve bullying, inappropriate jokes, or discriminatory comments  (For a free Managers Guide , go to  How To HR  – support section link)

For free managers guides and templates  –  Handling Harassment Guide (Support section)  👉 – https://breathingspacehr.co.uk/how-to-hr/

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Other questions we get asked about Support

Support

What documents should we keep during grievances/disciplinaries?

Investigatory notes, statements, letters/invitations, evidence considered, outcome letters, and appeal records. Store securely and only as long as necessary.

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Support

How much notice do I need to give a leaver?

The statutory notice period in the UK depends on how long an employee has worked for their employer: 1 month to 2 years: At least one week’s notice 2 to 12 years: One week’s notice for each year of service, up to a maximum of 12 weeks 12 years or more: 12 weeks’ notice Contractual […]

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Support

How do we tackle outdated and inefficient HR systems that slow down processes?

Assess Current Systems Identify what’s not working—look for delays, errors, or frequent employee complaints. Gather User Feedback Ask HR staff and employees what features they need or what slows them down most. Research Modern Solutions Explore up-to-date HR platforms integrating payroll, performance, leave, and recruitment (e.g. myHRIS). Plan a Phased Upgrade Prioritise key pain points […]

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Support

How do we handle disciplinaries?

Start with a fair investigation. Consider suspension only if necessary. If there’s a case to answer, invite to a hearing with evidence, allow a companion, decide an appropriate outcome, and offer a right of appeal.

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Support

How do I legally lay off an employee?

Check the employment contract for a layoff clause. Provide written notice explaining the reason for the layoff. Offer statutory guarantee pay if eligible. Consult with the employee and explore alternatives (e.g., reduced hours). If the layoff is extended, consider redundancy procedures. The employee can also request redundancy. Employees can apply for redundancy and claim redundancy […]

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Support

What is the reason we calculate part-time employees’ holiday entitlement in hours rather than days?

Part-time employees’ holiday entitlement is calculated in hours rather than days to ensure fairness and accuracy, as their working hours may vary. This method accounts for their specific work patterns, making it easier to calculate their pro-rata holiday entitlement based on the actual hours they work compared to full-time employees. For free managers guides and […]

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