Two changes, one expensive blind spot Two changes have landed this year that most hospitality and retail business owners haven't fully clocked, and both carry a real cost if you're caught out: the redundancy protective award, and the extended Acas early conciliation window. What is the redundancy protective award? The protective award is the penalty a tribunal can order when an employer fails to properly consult before collective redundancies. It applies specifically where 20

When an employee raises a grievance, it can feel uncomfortable, especially in a small business where relationships are close and teams are tight. But how you handle it matters, both legally and culturally. A well-managed grievance process protects your business and sends a clear message to your team that concerns are taken seriously. Here's what a fair grievance process looks like in practice. Start with the informal stage Not every concern needs to become a formal grievance