Robinson Grace HR Consultancy

29/05/2026

From next month, every new recruit could have unfair dismissal protection by January 2027. That should be making us all as employers, sit up and think.

Many businesses lean heavily on probation periods as a low-risk exit route. The Employment Rights reforms are changing that entirely.

Now is the time to ask whether your contracts, probation clauses, and onboarding processes actually fit for purpose? Are managers documenting concerns from day one? A weak process today could become a costly claim in 2027.

The employers in the strongest position will be those preparing now, not next January.

We're offering practical employment law health checks covering contracts, probation, onboarding, performance management, and disciplinary procedures. Drop me an email if you'd like to find out more or have a general chat about how these changes might affect your business.

www.robinsongracehr.com

27/05/2026

The government has announced a pilot scheme to scrap fit notes in parts of England, and for employers managing sickness absence, this is worth paying attention to.

Currently, 9 in 10 fit notes sign employees off work entirely, with limited support to help them return to the workplace. The pilots plan to trial conversations with employers about adjustments that could help people come back sooner. In some areas, GPs will stop issuing fit notes altogether and refer patients directly to support services.

What does this mean in practice for you as an employer? It puts more emphasis on the employer-employee conversation about return to work, which many businesses are already having, but sometimes without the right framework in place.

Now is a good time to review:

How you manage sickness absence and return-to-work meetings
What reasonable adjustments you can offer
Whether your policies reflect current best practice

This is still a pilot, so nothing changes overnight. But the direction of travel is clear — employers will need to be more proactive, not less, when it comes to supporting employees back into work.

If you'd like support reviewing your sickness absence processes or return-to-work policies, we're here to help.

Read more about the pilot: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy82pxlmmyno

Find out how we can support your business: https://www.robinsongracehr.com

The government says the system is "broken", with too many people signed off work with no help to return.

26/05/2026

🎓COSHH Management - Training Course🎓

Develop knowledge in all areas of COSHH management, focusing on legal and moral duties in the workplace.

When: 11 June 2026 13:30 - 16:30
Where: MS Teams

For more information, visit https://www.robinsongracehr.com/training-courses

21/05/2026

🎓Managing Unsatisfactory Performance & Conduct - Training Course🎓

When: 3 June 2026 (4 hours)
Where: MS Teams

For more information, visit https://www.robinsongracehr.com/training-courses

Get in touch to book your place! https://www.robinsongracehr.com/contact-us

20/05/2026

🎓Legionella Awareness Training - Training Course🎓

Understand the dangers associated with legionella and how to reduce the risk that it presents.

When: 18 June 2026 13:30 - 16:30
Where: MS Teams

For more information, visit https://www.robinsongracehr.com/training-courses

Get in touch to book your place! https://www.robinsongracehr.com/contact-us

18/05/2026

Is there a benefit from holding return-to-work meetings?

According to research by ACAS (acas.org.uk), carrying out a return to work meeting is one of the most effective ways to manage attendance and reduce absence.

Benefits include but aren't limited to:
🔹Making sure employees really are well enough to return to work
🔹 Updating employees on news that has occurred in their absence
🔹 Identifying whether any workplace adjustments might be required
🔹 Discussing reasons for absence and whether a proactive approach could minimise days off

Find out more about the benefits and learn how to get the best out these meetings for the welfare of your employees and your business in our blog >> https://zcu.io/14Rk

15/05/2026

🎓COSHH Management - Training Course🎓

Develop knowledge in all areas of COSHH management, focusing on legal and moral duties in the workplace.

When: 11 June 2026 13:30 - 16:30
Where: MS Teams

For more information, visit https://www.robinsongracehr.com/training-courses

Get in touch to book your place! https://www.robinsongracehr.com/contact-us

14/05/2026

We're thrilled to be welcoming two fantastic new members to the Robinson Grace HR Consultancy team! 🎉

Taruna joins us as an HR Business Partner, bringing a wealth of experience in supporting businesses to navigate complex people challenges with confidence and clarity.

Claire comes on board as our Learning & Development Consultant, adding a brilliant new dimension to the services we can offer our clients.

Both Taruna and Claire are CIPD level 7 qualified and share our commitment to straight-talking, practical HR support that makes a real difference to the businesses we work with.

We're so excited to have them on the team and can't wait for our clients to work with them!

Find out more about our team and the services we offer at www.robinsongracehr.com

13/05/2026

Five people, one dog, one big result. Curious how HR support transforms teams? Our tailored advice helped a local SME navigate tricky changes and boost morale. That’s what happens when expertise meets personal attention. Want to see what’s possible for your business? Let’s talk.

Discover more: https://www.robinsongracehr.com

13/05/2026

Real results. Real people. Real peace of mind.

Ever wondered how tailored HR support can transform your team? See how our bespoke guidance turned a client’s workplace challenges into lasting success.

Ready for expert, personal HR help? Discover more at https://www.robinsongracehr.com