Day one rights are becoming one of the most important concepts for UK employers to understand as employment law continues to shift in favour of earlier and stronger employee protections. While the phrase itself sounds straightforward, its implications are significant, particularly as changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025 take effect from April 2026 and beyond. For many employers, day one rights represent a cultural and operational change rather than just a legal one. T

The Employment Rights Act 2025 represents one of the most significant shifts in UK employment law in recent years. While many changes focus on employee protections, the real impact for employers will be felt in the policies, procedures, and documentation that sit behind everyday people management. April 2026 may sound a long way off, but for many organisations, the work needs to start now. HR policies that were compliant even a year ago may soon be outdated, incomplete, or l

Running a small business often feels like spinning plates. One moment you’re managing customer enquiries, the next you’re onboarding a new starter, resolving a staff disagreement, or trying to work out how to keep the team motivated when everyone seems stretched. For many SME owners, HR can feel reactive—problems pop up, and you fix them as fast as you can. But what if HR didn’t have to be chaotic? This is where HR planning  becomes a genuine game-changer. Instead of dealing

If you run a small business, you already know how quickly people problems can drain time, energy, and confidence. A misunderstanding becomes a complaint. A performance wobble turns into conflict. A late return-to-work meeting snowballs into tension you didn’t see coming. And because you care about your team, every issue weighs on you personally. That’s exactly why Swan HR offers a free HR discovery call —a safe, relaxed conversation where you can talk through what’s going on

Taking the step to bring in new employees is a huge moment for any business. Whether you're a sole trader growing your customer base or a...

When you run a small business, every team member counts, which means that when conflict arises, it can quickly feel personal, disruptive,...

When we talk about resolving workplace issues, most people picture formal meetings, policies, or procedures. But one of the most powerful...

If you run a small business, you're used to wearing many hats—leader, strategist, cheerleader, problem-solver. But when a workplace...

If you’re wondering what makes people stay loyal to a company beyond just the payslip, you’re not alone...

When it comes to keeping your team happy, motivated, and loyal, it’s not always about the biggest salary or flashiest job title....

When it comes to managing your workforce effectively, businesses often turn to HR professionals for support. However, there is often...

A well-structured HR audit is essential for ensuring your business remains compliant, efficient, and aligned with best practices. Whether...

As of April 2025, significant adjustments to the National Living Wage (NLW) and National Insurance Contributions (NICs) are set to take...

The care sector is one of the most challenging industries when it comes to HR management. With a workforce that is often stretched thin,...

When a new employee joins your business, there’s a lot to consider to ensure they are set up for success. One crucial element is ensuring...

The workplace is rapidly evolving, and artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept; it is a present reality reshaping...

In early 2025, UK ministers will make decisions that could have a profound impact on low-paid workers, particularly regarding sick pay....

The October 2024 mini-budget has introduced significant changes that will directly affect businesses and HR processes. Understanding...

Managing a team can be challenging, especially for employers and managers in small organisations. Often, these leaders lack the necessary...

Starting a business is an exciting journey, and hiring your first employees is a significant milestone. However, it’s crucial to ensure...