In this episode of Buzzing About HR, we turn down the noise and focus on what really matters. The UK Employment Rights Bill is full of big headlines and bigger opinions, but small businesses need something much simpler. Clear decisions, clear steps, and no late nights trying to decode legislation.This episode is about cutting through the chaos and translating recent rule changes into something you can actually use. Not theory. Not political noise. Just what applies to you, what is already live, and what is coming next so you are not caught out.We look at the rules that should already be in place and quietly working in the background. Flexible working from day one. Carers leave. Extended redundancy protection. Tips and service charge rules. The duty to prevent sexual harassment. Neonatal care leave arriving next year. I explain what these mean in practice, what managers actually need to say, and where businesses tend to slip without realising.Then we look ahead to what is coming down the line in 2026 and 2027. Changes to sick pay. Predictable working requests. Reforms to zero hours and casual work. A tougher stance on fire and rehire. And the one that is making most business owners sit up straighter. Unfair dismissal rights dropping to six months. We talk about what that really changes day to day, without panic and without drama.I also flag what is not happening, despite the headlines, and why setting sensible boundaries at work still matters even when the law does not force it. This is about staying compliant while keeping your business workable and your weekends intact.You will come away with a clear sense of what to fix now, what to plan for next, and how to keep things simple. Think practical actions like tightening up your handbook, making probation periods actually meaningful, briefing managers without overwhelming them, and avoiding nasty surprises in future budgets.If you want hands on help reviewing your policies, choosing affordable HR tech, or resetting probation and people processes before the six month rule lands, this episode will help you get ahead calmly and confidently.Hit play, pop the kettle on, and let’s make sense of the Employment Rights Bill without the stress.Subscribe, share this with another owner manager, and leave a quick review telling me which policy you know needs attention first. Thank you for tuning in to Buzzing About HR with Kate Underwood!If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your feedback helps us grow and reach more people like you. Have questions or need HR advice? Reach out to Kate Underwood HR & Training at www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk, email us on [email protected] or follow us on social media for more tips, resources, and updates. Until next time, keep buzzing and take care of your people!

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