UK Employment Law Update 2026 for SMEs: Probationary Periods, Unfair Dismissal Changes and HR Tips for Employers
With the upcoming changes to unfair dismissal rights under the Employment Rights Act 2025, many UK employers are asking whether they now need to extend probationary periods for employees. Many SMEs have heard that unfair dismissal is becoming a “day one” right but this is not currently the case. Here is what small and medium […]
Sexual Harassment Prevention: What ‘Reasonable Steps’ Mean for Employers and SMEs
Employers Have a Legal Duty to Prevent Sexual Harassment Since October 2024, employers have had a legal duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. For many SMEs, the challenge is not understanding that the law has changed. The challenge is understanding what employers are actually expected to do in practice. […]
May Update Key Insights, Events and Compliance Support
May Newsletter
Holiday Pay and Record Keeping: What SMEs Need to Know About the 2026 Changes
Why Accurate Employee Records Matter More Than Ever for SMEs For many SMEs, employee record keeping has traditionally been seen as an administrative task. However, changes introduced in April 2026 mean this is no longer just best practice, it is now a clear legal requirement. While employers have always been required to keep certain records, […]
HR Challenges for SMEs in 2026: Key Trends and How to Stay Compliant
Introduction For many SMEs, managing HR in 2026 is becoming increasingly complex. From ongoing employment law changes to rising employee expectations, businesses are under more pressure than ever to get it right. But here’s the reality. HR is no longer just about policies and paperwork. It’s about protecting your business, supporting your people and ensuring […]
Welcome to Our February Newsletter
As we move closer to April’s employment legislation changes, now is the time for businesses to review policies, prepare managers and ensure compliance is on track.
Integrated HR & Health & Safety Consultancy in Yorkshire | One Trusted Partner for Compliance & Growth
Choosing the right HR and Health & Safety consultancy has changed. Choosing the right HR and Health & Safety consultancy is no longer about ticking compliance boxes. Businesses want more than reactive advice.They want clarity.They want visibility.They want structure that actually works. Craven Consultancy Services is a Yorkshire-based integrated HR and Health & Safety consultancy […]
Welcome to Our January Newsletter
Welcome to this month’s newsletter — thanks for being part of the Craven community.
January is a long month — but it’s a great time to reset, plan ahead, and get organised for what’s coming in 2026.
Employment law changes from April 2026 (UK): SSP reform and day-one leave rights (now in force)
Update (March / April 2026) This blog reflects employment law changes taking effect from 6 April 2026. Employers should ensure they are prepared for implementation. Employment law changes from April 2026 (UK): SSP reform, day-one leave rights and what employers need to do now As we move through 2026, employers are facing another significant set […]
Day One SSP From April 2026: The Employer’s Guide to Proactive Absence and Wellbeing
Sickness absence is one of the clearest examples of where culture and compliance overlap. Employers need an approach that protects wellbeing, supports good people management, and keeps decisions consistent and legally safe. With Statutory Sick Pay reforms scheduled to take effect from April 2026, this becomes even more important because absence is expected to be […]