If an employee refuses to attend a disciplinary hearing, you can still proceed lawfully if you follow a fair process. This guide explains UK rules, the Acas Code of Practice, valid reasons for non-attendance, postponements, and how to run a hearing in absence. You will get practical letters guidance, an on-the-day checklist, a timeline view, and when to seek expert HR help from Specialised HR.
An employee not turning up and ignoring messages can feel stressful. This guide explains UK specific steps when someone goes AWOL, from first contact attempts to a fair disciplinary process aligned with the Acas Code. You will learn when to escalate, what to pay, how to avoid discrimination risks, and how to document each action. We also share a short case study and a week by week timeline. If you need hands on help, Specialised HR offers practical support and compliant templates.
B Corporations need strong, values-led HR to back their purpose and meet B Lab standards. This guide explains how specialist HR support strengthens the B Impact Assessment worker score, aligns policies with UK law, and prepares you for verification and recertification. You will find a practical readiness plan, a common pitfalls checklist, and examples from ethical organisations. If you want hands-on help, Specialised HR offers tailored support for values-led businesses.
From 1st January 2027, protection against unfair dismissal will apply after six months’ service rather than two years, subject to final legislation. This guide explains what the change means, how to update contracts, probation and procedures, and when to act. We reference the Employment Rights Act 1996 and Acas guidance, outline a preparation timeline, and show how Specialised HR supports ethical, sustainable employers to stay compliant while keeping people-first practices.
Say Goodbye to the 3-Day Waiting Period: Your 2026 Statutory Sick Pay Guide
From April 2026, Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) in the UK is set to start from day one of sickness, replacing the current three unpaid waiting days. This change means more workers will get paid sooner, reducing hardship and supporting recovery without financial stress.
In this guide, we walk UK employers through everything they need to know: who qualifies, how to update policies and contracts, payroll system adjustments, and practical tips for managers. We also cover budgeting, employee communications, and how ethical, values-led organisations can embed fair sick pay into sustainability and social impact reporting.
With clear FAQs, action plans, and resources, this guide helps small to medium-sized organisations prepare for a smooth transition while keeping teams informed, compliant, and cared for.
