# Kate Underwood HR & Training > Expert HR consultancy for UK small businesses. Employment law, people management, training, and HR software. Based in Hampshire, supporting businesses nationwide since 2014. This file follows the [llms.txt specification](https://llmstxt.org). For full blog content, see [llms-full.txt](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/llms-full.txt). ## Service Plans - [HR Services for Small Businesses in the UK](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/hr-services-small-business-uk): Overview of all five HR service plans for UK SMEs — covers when each tier fits, what's included, and how to choose between them. - [HR Advice Line](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/service-plans/hr-advice-line): Monthly HR advice from £175/mo. Up to 2 hours support for employment law questions and policy guidance. - [HR Protect](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/service-plans/hr-protect): Complete HR compliance from £299/mo. Contracts, policies, advice line, and ongoing support. - [HR Excel](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/service-plans/hr-excel): Strategic HR support from £499/mo. Planning, leadership development, and culture transformation. - [HR Business Partner](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/service-plans/hr-business-partner): Dedicated senior HR professional from £799/mo. Hands-on strategic support embedded in your business. - [Fractional HR Director](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/service-plans/fractional-hr-director): Head of HR leadership for scaling businesses without the full-time cost. - [Full HR Audit & Plan](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/full-hr-audit): Comprehensive paid HR audit for UK SMEs. 76-question structured intake covering contracts, policies, training, performance, benefits and compliance. Written plan and follow-up call included. ## Additional Services - [Independent Appeals](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/services/independent-appeals): Independent, HR Director-level appeals officer to hear disciplinary and grievance appeals impartially. ACAS-compliant, tribunal-defensible decisions. - [HR Software](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/services/hr-software): Cloud-based HR software through Breathe partnership. Holiday, absence, performance, and system implementation. - [SafeVoice Whistleblowing](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/services/safevoice): Independent confidential whistleblowing hotline. Secure reporting and compliance support. - [Dignity at Work Toolkit](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/dignity-at-work-toolkit): Complete anti-bullying and harassment prevention toolkit with policy templates and checklists. - [Employment Rights Act Advice](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/employment-rights-act-advice): Monthly ERA updates and toolkits for small businesses. Templates, guides, and practical compliance. - [Employment Rights Act Timeline](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/employment-rights-act-timeline): Every ERA 2025 change in plain English across seven waves to January 2027, with a four-part action list for contracts, handbook, training and team comms. - [Disciplinary Procedure Flowchart](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/disciplinary-procedure-flowchart-uk): The five steps of a fair, ACAS-aligned UK disciplinary process — investigation, written notice, hearing, outcome and appeal — with FAQs and common failure points. ## Free Resources - [HR Health Check](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/hr-health-check): Free HR audit tool. Assess your processes across seven employee lifecycle stages. - [HR Health Check Glossary](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/hr-health-check/glossary): Explanations for all 35 HR Health Check questions. - [Monthly HR Checklist](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/resources/monthly-sme-reset): 60-minute monthly reset to tidy HR admin and track priorities. - [Right to Work Checks Guide](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/pages/right-to-work-guide-2026): Free plain-English guide to UK right to work checks — the 3 legal methods, List A vs List B, and a traffic-light compliance checklist. - [HR Blog](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog): Expert HR advice for small businesses covering employment law, people management, and wellbeing. - [Buzzing About HR Podcast](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/podcast): Practical HR advice and employment law updates on major podcast platforms. - [The Employee Lifecycle](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/the-employee-lifecycle): Guide to managing every stage from recruitment to exit. ## Blog Categories - [People & HR](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/people-hr): Insights on people management, employee engagement, and HR best practices. - [Legal](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal): Employment law updates, compliance guidance, and legal advice for businesses. - [Guides](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/guides): Practical guides and how-to articles for HR professionals and business owners. - [News](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/news): Latest news and updates from the world of HR and employment. - [Legislation](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legislation): UK government legislation updates, Employment Rights Bill, and parliamentary changes affecting employment law. - [Employee Retention](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/employee-retention): Strategies and insights for retaining talent, recognizing warning signs, and building employee engagement. - [Teen Employment](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/teen-employment): Practical guidance on safe, legal, and meaningful work opportunities for young teens. - [Talent Management](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/talent-management): Best practices for attracting, developing, and managing talent in your organisation. - [Leadership](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/leadership): Leadership development, management skills, and building effective teams. - [Compliance](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/compliance): HR compliance, policies, and regulatory requirements for businesses. - [General](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/general): General HR topics, insights, and advice for small business owners. ## Blog Posts - [Contracts, Probation and the Six-Month Rule: Getting New Hires Right](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/contracts-probation-six-month-rule-new-hires): Hiring in the UK? Nail contracts, probation and the six-month rule with plain-English steps, checklists and expert tips, so you set new hires up right and steer clear of unfair dismissal traps. - [Hired Anyone Since July? They're Already Inside the 2027 Window](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/hired-since-july-2027-window): Think unfair dismissal 2027 is a next-year job? Think again. The clock started 1 July 2026, meaning recent hires are already in scope. Get ahead now and avoid costly surprises. - [What a Good Half-Year Review Actually Looks Like (Without the Dread)](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/talent-management/good-mid-year-review-without-dread): Halfway through 2026? Don't skip the midyear check-in. Learn a simple, no-dread half-year review that turns chaos into clarity and keeps small-business goals on track before December. - [Your Three-Year-Old Policies Don't Fit Today's Team](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/people-hr/three-year-old-policies-dont-fit-todays-team): Your three-year-old handbook is out of date—laws and your team have moved on. From day-one rights to holiday records, here’s why it’s time to refresh your policies now. - [Difficult Conversations at Work: The Cost of Waiting](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/leadership/difficult-conversations-at-work-cost-of-waiting): Putting off tough talks costs teams time, trust and money. Learn a simple, fair way to start, handle and follow up difficult conversations at work—so everyone moves forward today. - [OSP on Your Payslip? What It Means and When It's Wrong](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/guides/what-is-osp-on-a-payslip): Spotted OSP on a payslip and wondering what it means? It stands for Occupational Sick Pay. Here's what it is, why it sometimes shows as a deduction, whether it's taxed, and what employers need to know. - [World Cup at Work: Leave, Sickies and Sweepstakes Sorted](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/people-hr/world-cup-work-leave-sickies-sweepstakes): England play Sunday, your team wants Monday. Here’s how to handle leave, sickies and sweepstakes—keep cover, boost morale and make the World Cup a culture win, not chaos. - [1 July Is Here: The New Dismissal Rules Are Live. Now What?](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legislation/july-1-new-dismissal-rules): It’s 1 July and the unfair dismissal qualifying period just shrank. Learn what earlier protection and statutory probation mean for SMEs—and the steps to manage new starters well. - [Are You Ready for 1 July 2026? The Two-Year Rule Is About to Change](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legislation/two-year-rule-change-1-july-2026): The two-year rule for dismissals is changing on 1 July 2026. For small businesses, the old 'wait-and-see' approach could cost you. Find out what's changing and what to do in the next week. - [No Maximum Work Temperature? 5 Heatwave Myths, Busted](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/no-maximum-work-temperature-heatwave-myths-busted): Heatwave at work? No, there's no legal maximum temperature in the UK. We bust 5 myths, from 'I can go home' to flip-flop dress codes—so you can keep cool, compliant and customer-ready. - [Why Your Wellbeing Policy Isn't Working (and What Actually Does)](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/people-hr/wellbeing-policy-not-working-what-actually-works): He's first in, never off sick, and not fine. Men's mental health needs more than posters and policies. Here's what actually helps teams spot struggle early and act before burnout and resignations. - [The Carer Sitting in Your Team, and What You Actually Owe Them](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/carers-in-your-team-what-you-owe-them): Your most reliable employee might be a silent carer—juggling 6am calls, GP holds and sleepless nights. Before they burn out or resign, here’s what Carer’s Leave should mean. - [Holiday Records Are Now a Legal Duty. Are Yours Ready?](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/holiday-records-legal-duty-inspection): Holiday records are now a legal duty. If your tracker lives on Sharon's old laptop and 73 emails don't add up, would you survive an inspection? Fix the chaos before it becomes costly. - [UK Right to Work Checks 2026: The Complete Employer Guide](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/uk-right-to-work-checks-2026-employer-guide): Think you’ve done a right to work check? Probably not. In the UK, 2026 compliance needs specific steps, dates and records. Avoid fines with our step‑by‑step employer guide. - [The £0 Development Plan Every Small Business Should Steal](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/talent-management/free-small-business-development-plan): No budget? No time? Steal this £0 employee development plan for Learning at Work Week, built for five-person teams, quick to run, and proven to boost skills without derailing the day. - [Fair Work Agency: The £20,000 Per Worker Mistake Hiding In Your SME](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/sme-20000-per-worker-mistake): An inspector can knock anytime, no complaint needed. The new Fair Work Agency can fine SMEs up to £20,000 per worker. Learn what records they'll check and how to avoid costly mistakes. - [Is your business protected from employee social media risk?](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/protect-business-from-employee-social-media-risk): One weekend rant can spark a PR crisis. Learn how UK employers can lawfully, fairly, and proportionately monitor staff social media, with clear, plain-English steps to protect your brand. - [Managing Poor Performance and Capability the Right Way](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/guides/managing-poor-performance-capability): Underperformance keeping you up at 3 a.m.? Learn to spot issues early, find the real cause, and follow a fair, practical process that gives people a genuine chance to improve. - [Are You Sure Your Contractor Isn't Actually an Employee?](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/is-your-contractor-an-employee): Think your freelancer's a contractor? Maybe not. Contractor vs employee status affects tax, rights, and risk. Get it wrong and you could face bills, back pay, and headaches. Here's how to check. - [RIDDOR Explained: Are You Meeting Your Legal Duty as a UK Employer?](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/riddor-uk-employer-legal-duty): Unsure what needs RIDDOR reporting? This plain-English guide gives quick answers on what to report, when, and how, so you protect staff, meet your legal duty, and keep the HSE onside. - [Right To Work Checks: 5 Costly Mistakes UK Employers Make](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/right-to-work-checks-uk-employers-mistakes): Brilliant new hire? Don't let UK right to work checks trip you up. Avoid 5 mistakes that could cost up to £60,000 per worker and derail your team. - [SSP Now Starts on Day One: Should You Change Your Sick Pay?](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legislation/ssp-starts-day-one-change-sick-pay): SSP now starts on day one. Should your SME offer Occupational Sick Pay or stick with SSP? Get the pros, cons, real costs, and practical tips to cut absence headaches and stay compliant. - [Statutory Pay Rates 2026/27: Simple UK Employer Cheat Sheet](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/uk-statutory-pay-rates-2026-27): Payroll chaos? Get instant, plain-English answers on 2026/27 UK statutory pay rates, updated for April. A simple employer cheat sheet for sick leave, maternity and more, all in one place. - [How to Calculate Annual Leave for Part-Time Employees](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/guides/calculate-annual-leave-part-time-employees): Struggling with part-time annual leave? Get a clear, no-fluff method to calculate holidays for mixed schedules and bank holidays, without the maths headache. - [SMART Objectives Without Corporate Nonsense: The SME Way](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/guides/smart-objectives-for-smes-without-corporate-jargon): SMART objectives without the corporate fluff. For SMEs who want clarity, focus, and real results. Set goals people understand, review simply, and ditch surprises. - [The AI Grievance Era: Same Rules, Bigger Headaches](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/people-hr/ai-grievance-era-same-rules-bigger-headaches): AI-generated grievances are flooding inboxes: formal, legalistic, and panic-inducing. Here's what small business owners need to do now to stay compliant, calm managers, and handle claims smartly. - [Work WhatsApp Rules for SMEs: Allow, Ban, Write It Down](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/people-hr/work-whatsapp-policy-smes): WhatsApp runs your rota, noticeboard and the manager's office, until chaos hits. Set clear rules: what to allow, what to ban, what to write down. Plus when to use WhatsApp Business. - [Weight Loss Drugs as an Employee Benefit: The SME Reality Check](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/guides/weight-loss-drugs-employee-benefit-sme-reality-check): SMEs can be nimble and personal, but offering weight loss drugs as a benefit is sensitive and complex. Here's the reality check small teams need before deciding what's fair. - [3 HR Traps for SMEs Under the Employment Rights Act (Avoid Them)](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legislation/3-hr-traps-smes-employment-rights-act): Employment Rights Act changes aren't 'legal updates' - they're people problems. Discover 3 HR traps UK SMEs fall into - and how to avoid panic, delays, and costly disputes. - [The Grievance Procedure: Handling Complaints Fairly](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/people-hr/grievance-procedure-handling-complaints-fairly): Complaints arrive at the worst time. Your next move matters. Use a fair grievance procedure to avoid knee-jerk reactions, neither waving issues away nor taking them personally. - [Statutory Sick Pay Changes April 2026: Who Qualifies & What SMEs Do](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legislation/statutory-sick-pay-changes-april-2026-who-qualifies-smes): Statutory Sick Pay rules change in April 2026. See who qualifies, how fast to respond to sickness reports, and the simple, consistent process SMEs need to protect teams and reduce absence. - [When Someone Says "Can We Talk?" Here's What Great Managers Say Next](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/guides/can-we-talk-what-great-managers-say-next): Heart sinks at "Can we talk?" You're not alone. Get clear, legally safe phrases great managers use to navigate difficult employee conversations, calmly, clearly, and fast. - [Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): A Guide for SMEs](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/guides/employee-assistance-programmes-eap-guide-smes): Sunday-night worries arrive at work on Monday. An Employee Assistance Programme gives your team confidential support, one of the highest-value, lowest-cost wellbeing moves for any small business. - [Salary Sacrifice Schemes for Small Businesses (Incl. EV)](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/guides/salary-sacrifice-schemes-for-small-businesses-incl-ev): Wages up, National Insurance up, and you still want to reward your team? A salary sacrifice scheme can cut costs for both sides with no straight pay rise, EV cars included. Here's how SMEs use it safely. - [Training Agreements: Can You Recoup Training Costs?](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/training-agreements-recoup-training-costs): You paid for the course. Then they quit. Discover how smart training agreements help you recoup costs, protect culture, and invest in people without funding competitors. - [World Cancer Day: the manager's guide after "I've got cancer"](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/guides/world-cancer-day-managers-guide-after-ive-got-cancer): An employee has just told you they have cancer. What do you do next? A calm, human, step-by-step guide to respond with empathy, clarity, and practical employee cancer support. - [Severe Weather and Small Businesses - What to do before it hits](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/guides/severe-weather-and-small-businesses-what-to-do-before-it-hits): Severe weather can derail your day. Learn a simple, repeatable plan small businesses can use to keep teams safe and operations steady before storms hit. - [The Monthly SME Reset: Track, Tweak and Tidy in 60 Minutes](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/guides/monthly-sme-reset-track-tweak-tidy-60-minutes): Small business chaos doesn't mean you're failing. Try a 60-minute monthly business reset to track, tweak and tidy, so fires stay small, priorities stay clear, and momentum builds. - [The Employment Rights Bill Is a System Change, Not a Update](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legislation/employment-rights-bill-system-change): Employment law is woven into everything you do, job ads, rotas, payroll, leave, performance, exit. That's why the Employment Rights Bill isn't a quick policy update. It's a system change. Here's a 12‑month, bite‑size plan to implement it with control instead of chaos. - [The New Paper Round: Safe First Jobs for Teens (13+)](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/teen-employment/safe-first-jobs-for-teens-13-plus): Paper rounds are fading. Discover safe, modern 13 plus year old jobs with small businesses, from tech help to tidy tasks, teaching reliability, real skills and confidence as the new paper round. - [The essential HR policies every small business needs](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/essential-hr-policies-small-business): Small business HR isn’t glamorous—but it stops headaches, fines, and claims. Get the straight-talk on what’s legally required, what’s smart, and how to keep policies useful, not dusty. - [Storing HR Records and GDPR: A Small Business Guide](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/hr-records-gdpr-small-business-guide): HR files in inboxes, drives and drawers? GDPR isn’t a tech project, it’s knowing what you hold, why, and for how long. A practical small-business guide to tidy, secure HR records. - [5 Subtle Signs a Team Member Might Be About to Quit](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/employee-retention/signs-team-member-about-to-quit): Employee retention starts before the resignation email. Spot 5 subtle signs a team member may quit, plus a Plain English legal lowdown, fresh data, and a quick action plan. - [Employee Benefits and Perks on a Budget for SMEs (2026)](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/employee-retention/employee-benefits-perks-budget-smes-2026): SMEs can’t match big salaries, but you can still win talent. Discover low-cost perks and smart benefits that boost retention, attract great hires, and protect your cash flow in 2026. - [Return-to-Work Interviews: Why They Matter for SMEs](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/people-hr/return-to-work-interviews-for-smes): Return-to-work interviews are five-minute, human check-ins that cut absence, surface issues early, and show you care. Cheap, quick, human. Learn what to ask and how to keep them simple. - [Employment Rights Bill Update – December 2025](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legislation/employment-rights-bill-update-december-2025): The Employment Rights Bill has passed Parliament and is set to become law. This guide sets out what's already in place, what has just been confirmed, and what small businesses should have already done or now start preparing for. - [Advantages & Disadvantages of Sick Pay Schemes (OSP)](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/guides/advantages-disadvantages-sick-pay-schemes): Explore the advantages and disadvantages of Occupational Sick Pay (OSP) schemes. Learn how OSP can create a healthier workplace, prevent financial hardship, and build a positive culture, while understanding the costs and risks involved. - [Managing Sickness Absence in a Small Business (UK)](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/guides/managing-sickness-absence-in-a-small-business-uk): The 6.55am 'not feeling well' text, again? A clear, fair absence process cuts the chaos, spots patterns early, and keeps you the right side of the law. Here's how small businesses manage sickness absence well. - [Access to Work Scheme: Support for Disabled Employees](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/people-hr/access-to-work-scheme-support-disabled-employees): An employee needs support? The UK’s Access to Work scheme can fund adjustments and assistance for disabled staff, relieving costs for small employers. Discover help you may not know exists. - [Autumn Budget 2025: What it really means for small businesses](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/autumn-budget-2025-what-it-really-means-for-small-businesses): Rachel Reeves has gone hard on tax and 'fairness'. On the surface, it sounds pro worker and pro growth. Underneath, if you run a small business, you're looking at higher wage bills, higher NI, more compliance, and a bit of sugar sprinkled on top. - [Why Every Small Business Needs an HR Audit (And How to Do One)](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/guides/why-small-business-needs-hr-audit): An HR audit isn't about catching you out, it's about protecting your business. Learn what an HR audit covers, why it matters, and how to audit your people processes in just 5-7 minutes. - [How to Make Someone Redundant Fairly and Avoid Tribunals](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/make-someone-redundant-fairly-avoid-tribunal-claims): Need to make redundancies? This calm, plain-English guide for UK SMEs shows how to run a fair process that protects your business, treats people with dignity, and helps you avoid costly tribunals. - [Workplace Conflict Resolution for Small Businesses](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/people-hr/small-business-workplace-conflict-resolution): Got simmering squabbles at work? Here’s a no-fluff, UK-savvy guide to defusing disputes fast—practical steps, ACAS-backed tips, and when to call in help before costs and morale spiral. - [Preventing Sexual Harassment: The Worker Protection Act](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legislation/sexual-harassment-prevention-worker-protection-act): New Worker Protection Act: what SMEs must do now to prevent sexual harassment. Plain English steps, checklists and KUHR support to get you compliant, confident and protecting your people. - [Who Can Accompany an Employee to a Disciplinary Meeting in the UK](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/who-can-accompany-employee-disciplinary-meeting-uk): Find out who an employee may bring to a formal disciplinary hearing in the UK, what the legal rights are, and how to handle companions, support persons and witnesses fairly. - [Salary Transparency and Pay Benchmarking for UK SMEs](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/talent-management/salary-transparency-pay-benchmarking-uk-smes): Posting 'competitive salary' is costing you candidates. Discover why UK SMEs should show pay in job ads, how to benchmark confidently, and attract better applicants without the guesswork. - [Supporting Employee Mental Health at Work: An SME Guide](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/guides/employee-mental-health-at-work-sme-guide): Worried about saying the wrong thing? You don’t need to be a therapist. Learn how SME leaders can notice, listen, make simple adjustments, and signpost staff to proper support. - [Flexible Working Requests: The Law and How to Handle Them](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/flexible-working-requests-law-how-to-handle): An employee wants to change their hours—now what? Get clear on the law, the process, and practical steps to handle flexible working requests fairly, legally and without losing cover. - [7 Common Payroll Mistakes Small Businesses Must Avoid](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/guides/common-payroll-mistakes-small-businesses-must-avoid): Payday shouldn't end in HMRC letters or upset staff. Spot the 7 payroll mistakes small businesses make—like wrong tax codes and missed RTI—and learn quick fixes to stop costly slip-ups. - [Mandatory Compliance Training UK Employers Must Provide](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/mandatory-compliance-training-uk-employers): UK employers must deliver compliance training - especially health and safety. Here's the plain-English guide to what's mandatory, what's sensible, and how to avoid accidents and claims. - [Applicant Tracking Systems: Smarter Hiring for SMEs](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/talent-management/applicant-tracking-systems-for-smes): Stop hiring from your inbox. Centralize CVs, track conversations, and never ghost great talent. Discover how an applicant tracking system helps SMEs hire faster, smarter, and stress-free. - [Why Small Businesses Outsource Learning and Development](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/talent-management/small-businesses-outsource-learning-and-development): Your training plan shouldn't live in a drawer. See why small teams outsource L&D, three simple delivery options, and a deliberate plan you'll actually use without breaking the budget. - [How to write a job description that actually works](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/guides/how-to-write-a-job-description): Still cobbling job descriptions in five panicked minutes? Learn a repeatable way of writing job descriptions that attract the right candidates and save time for small teams. - [Can an Employer Give a Bad Reference? The UK Rules](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/can-employer-give-bad-reference-uk-rules): Unsure if you can give a bad reference? UK law allows honest, fair and evidence-based references. Learn what you can say, what to avoid, and how to protect your business. - [TUPE Transfers Explained: A Small Business Owner's Guide](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/tupe-transfer-guide-small-business): TUPE sounds like a sneeze, but getting it wrong can cost you. This small-business guide explains when TUPE applies, your duties to staff, and how to avoid expensive pitfalls. - [Probationary Periods: Do You Need a Formal Process?](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/people-hr/probationary-periods-formal-process): Perfect on paper, wobbly in week three? Learn how a clear, written probation process helps UK small employers turn gut feel into fair, fast decisions—saving time and reducing risk. - [Statutory Maternity and Family Leave: Employer's Guide](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/statutory-maternity-family-leave-employers-guide): An employee says 'I'm pregnant'—you're thrilled, then worry about cover and cost. This clear employer's guide demystifies statutory maternity and family leave so you can plan with confidence. - [Working Time Regulations: Getting It Right (UK Employers)](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/working-time-regulations-uk-employers): UK employers: avoid costly slip-ups with Working Time rules. Get straight answers on rest breaks, night work health checks, and the 48-hour week so your rota stays legal and fair. - [Settlement Agreements Explained for UK Employers (2025)](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/settlement-agreements-uk-employers-2025): For UK employers, when an employment relationship quietly runs its course, a settlement agreement offers a dignified, certain exit—minimising risk, closing claims and helping everyone move on. - [How to Calculate Holiday Pay in the UK (2025 Guide)](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/guides/how-to-calculate-holiday-pay-uk-2026): Holiday pay looks simple - until overtime, variable hours, and zero-hours contracts complicate 'normal' pay. Get a clear 2026 UK guide to calculating holiday pay in plain English. - [Contracts of Employment: A UK Small Business Guide](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/contracts-of-employment-uk-small-business-guide): Think your mate Terry doesn’t need a contract? Until hours, pay and duties unravel. Learn why written employment terms protect UK small businesses—and how to get them right. - [Are Verbal Offers of Employment Contractual in the UK?](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/blog/legal/verbal-offer-of-employment-uk): Can a verbal job offer form a legally binding contract? Learn what makes a verbal offer enforceable, when you can withdraw it, and how to protect your small business from costly mistakes. ## About - [About Us](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/about-us): Kate Underwood's background, CIPD qualifications, and the team behind people-centred HR for small businesses. - [Press & Media](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/about-us/press): Expert HR commentary featured in UK publications. - [Press & Media Kit](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/press): For journalists — Kate Underwood bios, headshots, expert topics, and direct press contact. - [Testimonials](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/testimonials): What small business owners say about working with Kate Underwood HR. ## Expert credentials Kate Underwood is a CIPD-qualified UK HR consultant who has been quoted as an expert source by national press, trade media, and regional UK publications on employment law, redundancy, disciplinary procedures, sick pay, workplace culture, and the Employment Rights Bill. Direct article references (most-recent representative coverage per outlet): - Daily Express (2026-05-15): https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/2206034/hr-expert-says-you-ll-fired-thing-employers-can-t-come-back-from - The Mirror (2026-05-15): https://www.mirror.co.uk/money/im-hr-expert-3-things-37161838 - GB News (2026-01-06): https://www.gbnews.com/money/businesses-warned-of-cashflow-contagion - HR Magazine (2026-01-13): https://www.hrmagazine.co.uk/content/news/millions-to-gain-day-one-parental-leave-rights - People Management (2026-02-11): https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1948090 - Birmingham Mail (2026-01-16): https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/uk-news/keir-starmer-poised-ban-under-33249166 - Cambridge News (2026-05-15): https://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/cost-of-living/hr-expert-says-3-things-33954287 - BM Magazine (2026-03-17): https://bmmagazine.co.uk/in-business/uk-individual-insolvencies-rise-2026-household-debt-crisis/ - Daily Mail: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10498433/So-youve-got-Covid.html - Metro: https://metro.co.uk - The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com - HR Review: https://www.hrreview.co.uk - Wales Online: https://www.walesonline.co.uk - This is Money: https://www.thisismoney.co.uk - Hampshire Chronicle (2025-11-25): https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/national/uk-today/25648846.national-minimum-wage-go-12-71-1-500-boost/ - Startups.co.uk: https://startups.co.uk - IFA Magazine: https://ifamagazine.com - Newspage: https://app.newspage.media/kate-underwood-hr-and-training For the full press footprint (72+ articles since 2022), see [https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/about-us/press](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/about-us/press). ## Contact - [Book a Free Discovery Call](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/discovery-call): Get a People Plan on a page and expert HR advice. - [Book an HR Audit](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/book-audit): Identify risks, gaps, and opportunities in your people management. - Email: hello@kateunderwoodhr.co.uk - Phone: +44 2382 025160 - Address: 32B, New Forest Enterprise Centre, Chapel Lane, Totton, Southampton, SO40 9LA, UK - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/kate-underwood-hr) ## Location Pages - [HR Consultants Hampshire (county-wide)](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/hr-consultants-hampshire) - [HR Consultants Andover](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/hr-consultants-andover) - [HR Consultants Newbury](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/hr-consultants-newbury) - [HR Consultants Ringwood](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/hr-consultants-ringwood) - [HR Consultants Portsmouth](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/hr-consultants-portsmouth) - [HR Consultants Romsey](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/hr-consultants-romsey) - [HR Consultants Salisbury](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/hr-consultants-salisbury) - [HR Consultants Southampton](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/hr-consultants-southampton) - [HR Consultants Verwood](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/hr-consultants-verwood) - [HR Consultants Winchester](https://kateunderwoodhr.co.uk/hr-consultants-winchester)