FAQs

What is the law on maternity/paternity leave?

maternity leave is 52 weeks (26 weeks ordinary and 26 weeks additional), with statutory maternity pay (SMP) for up to 39 weeks. Paternity leave is 1 or 2 weeks, with statutory paternity pay (SPP) for up to 2 weeks. Both are subject to eligibility criteria.

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Other questions we get asked about Support

Support

An employee’s been absent for a while. What should we do?

Keep in touch sensitively, hold review meetings, seek medical/Occupational Health advice. Consider reasonable adjustments, and follow your absence/capability policy. Treat long-term sickness fairly and consistently.

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Support

Do I have to give bank holidays to an employee who doesn’t work on a Monday?

Yes By law, part-time employees and workers are protected from being treated less favourably than a full-time ‘comparator’. The law is the Part-time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000.  The bank holiday allowance should be pro rata  (proportioned into hours worked) and added to their holiday allowance. For free managers guides and templates  […]

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Support

Can we dismiss quickly during probation?

Probation allows faster decisions but still requires a fair process: concerns explained, a chance to respond, notice/pay handled correctly, and care taken to avoid discrimination.

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Support

If an employee is suspended pending investigation and they produce a fit note saying work related stress which process do I now follow?

You continue the suspension process, as a fit note for work-related stress does not override the suspension. However, you should acknowledge the fit note, offer support, and manage the investigation sensitively.

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Support

We’re a start-up with nothing in place. What’s legally essential?

Written employment contracts, core policies (disciplinary, grievance, absence, equality, data protection), Ro-work checks, payroll and auto-enrolment, Basic H&S, and compliant onboarding. Add a staff handbook as you grow.

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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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