From the Grove
The Grove HR Blog offers practical advice on UK employment law, absence management, onboarding best practices, and HR technology for growing businesses. Fresh insights to help your team flourish.
Explore expert articles on HR compliance, employee engagement, recruitment, and UK-specific employment topics written for HR professionals and business owners.
Browse by Topic
Leave Management
Everything UK employers need to know about managing annual leave, bank holidays, TOIL, and statutory entitlements.
Absence & Sickness
Managing employee absence, sickness, Bradford Factor scoring, and return-to-work processes in the UK.
Onboarding & Employee Lifecycle
From first-day onboarding to offboarding and everything in between for UK employers.
Compliance & Employment Law
Navigating UK employment law, ACAS procedures, redundancy, and workplace compliance.
HR Technology
Choosing, implementing, and getting the most from HR software for UK businesses.
Latest Articles
UK Shared Parental Leave: Complete Employer Guide (2026)
Shared Parental Leave lets eligible parents split up to 50 weeks of leave between them. It is one of the most complex areas of UK parental rights — this guide explains the rules, the process, and what employers need to do.
Employment Allowance 2026/27: Claim £10,500 Off Employer NI
Claim up to £10,500 off your employer NI bill with Employment Allowance. Covers eligibility criteria, connected companies rules, and step-by-step claiming.
![Remote Workers HR Compliance: UK Guide [2026]](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fblog%2Fremote-work.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Remote Workers HR Compliance: UK Guide [2026]
Remote work is now standard for millions of UK employees — but many employers have not updated their HR practices to match. This guide covers every compliance area you need to manage a remote workforce lawfully in 2026.
![True Cost of Hiring an Employee UK 2026 [Full Breakdown]](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fblog%2Fhiring-costs.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
True Cost of Hiring an Employee UK 2026 [Full Breakdown]
Beyond salary: understand the true cost of hiring in the UK including employer NI (15%), pension (3%+), recruitment fees, onboarding, and hidden costs.
![Disciplinary Procedure UK: Step-by-Step [2026]](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fblog%2Fdisciplinary-procedure.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Disciplinary Procedure UK: Step-by-Step [2026]
Running a fair disciplinary procedure is one of the most legally sensitive things an employer does. Get it wrong and a tribunal can award up to 25% additional compensation. This guide walks through every step — from initial concern to appeal.
UK Employer National Insurance Rates 2026/27: 15% Guide
Employer NI is 15% on earnings above the £5,000 threshold. See 2026/27 rates, worked examples, and how to claim up to £10,500 off with Employment Allowance.
What Are My Rights During My Notice Period?
Understand your employment rights during a notice period in the UK: the right to work, holiday entitlement, sick pay, and special protections during redundancy.
How to Set Up an HR System for Your UK Business (2026 Guide)
Setting up an HR system for the first time — or switching from spreadsheets — is one of the best investments a growing UK business can make. This guide walks you through every step, from choosing the right software to getting your team live on day one.
UK Notice Periods 2026: Statutory Rules for Employers
Statutory minimum is 1 week per year of service (max 12 weeks). Covers contractual notice, payment in lieu, garden leave, and managing the process smoothly.
![SSP Changes April 2026: Day-One Sick Pay [Employer Guide]](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fblog%2Fssp-changes-2026.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
SSP Changes April 2026: Day-One Sick Pay [Employer Guide]
From 6 April 2026, SSP is payable from day one, the Lower Earnings Limit is abolished, and a new 80% AWE cap applies. Here is what UK employers need to know and do before the changes take effect.
HRMS vs HRIS vs HCM: Which Do You Need?
HRMS, HRIS, and HCM are the three main categories of HR software. This guide explains what each system does, the key differences between them, and which one is right for your UK business.
Small Business HR Compliance Checklist 2026 (UK)
Running a small business in the UK means staying on top of employment law without a dedicated HR team. This checklist covers every compliance obligation you need to meet in 2026, from employment contracts to data protection.
UK Statutory Redundancy Pay 2026: £719 Weekly Cap Calculator
UK statutory redundancy uses a £719 weekly pay cap, age-based multipliers, and max 20 years service. Step-by-step formula with worked examples inside.
UK Employment Law Changes 2026: Key Updates
The UK employment law landscape is shifting significantly in 2026. From National Minimum Wage increases to the Employment Rights Bill reforms, here is what HR managers and small business owners need to prepare for.
Self-Certification Sick Leave UK: 7-Day Rule Explained
Employees can self-certify sick leave for up to 7 calendar days before needing a fit note. Covers SC2 forms, employer duties, and what to do when the 7 days are up.
![Grove HR vs BrightHR: UK Comparison [2026]](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fblog%2Fhr-software-comparison.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Grove HR vs BrightHR: UK Comparison [2026]
BrightHR is one of the most recognised names in UK HR software, backed by Peninsula Group. Grove HR is the newer, feature-rich alternative. Here is how they compare on features, pricing, and UK compliance depth.
Return-to-Work Interview Template & Questions
A practical guide to conducting return-to-work interviews with a ready-to-use template, question bank, and advice on linking interviews to Bradford Factor monitoring.
Carry-Over Leave Rules UK 2026: What Employers Need to Know
A complete guide to UK carry-over leave rules for employers, covering statutory requirements, contractual provisions, and practical policy recommendations.
![Part-Time Holiday Entitlement UK: How to Calculate [2026]](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fblog%2Fpart-time-holiday.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Part-Time Holiday Entitlement UK: How to Calculate [2026]
How to calculate holiday entitlement for part-time, irregular hours, and zero-hours workers in the UK, with worked examples and common pitfalls.
Long-Term Sickness Absence: UK Employer Obligations Guide
A practical guide for UK employers managing employees on long-term sick leave, covering legal obligations, occupational health, and return-to-work planning.
Disability Absence & the Equality Act: Guide
Understanding your obligations when managing absence for employees with disabilities, including reasonable adjustments, Bradford Factor exemptions, and tribunal risks.
Occupational Health Referrals: UK Guide
A practical guide for UK employers on occupational health referrals: when to refer, the consent process, what questions to ask, and how to use OH reports.
UK Employee Offboarding Checklist: Complete Employer Guide
Everything UK employers need to do when an employee leaves, from resignation to final pay, including compliance requirements and best practice.
First 90 Days: New Hire Integration Template
A week-by-week template for integrating new employees during their first 90 days, covering milestones, check-ins, and probation management.
Equality Act 2010: UK Employer Obligations Explained
What UK employers need to know about the Equality Act 2010, including protected characteristics, discrimination types, and practical compliance steps.
TUPE Transfers: A Practical Guide for UK SMEs
A straightforward guide to TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings) for UK small businesses, covering when it applies, what transfers, and employer obligations.
HR Software Implementation: Step-by-Step Plan
A practical implementation guide for UK businesses adopting HR software, from planning and data migration through to go-live and post-launch support.
HR Software ROI Calculator: UK Cost Analysis
How to calculate the return on investment of HR software, with formulas for time savings, compliance value, and cost-per-employee analysis.
Cloud HR vs Spreadsheets: Why You Should Switch
Why UK businesses should move from spreadsheets to cloud HR software, with a practical comparison of security, compliance, cost, and scalability.
HR Software Security: Protecting Employee Data
A practical guide for UK employers evaluating the security of HR software, covering GDPR, encryption, access controls, and vendor due diligence.
![Bank Holidays and Annual Leave: UK Rights [2026]](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fblog%2Fbank-holidays-leave.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Bank Holidays and Annual Leave: UK Rights [2026]
Can your employer include bank holidays in your annual leave? Understand the statutory position, part-time worker rights, and what your contract should say.
Absence Management Policy Template for UK Employers
A ready-to-use absence management policy template covering reporting procedures, return-to-work interviews, Bradford Factor trigger points, and employee support.
Handling Flexible Working Requests: UK Employer Guide 2026
A practical guide for UK employers on handling flexible working requests under the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023, including the new day-one right, response deadlines, and statutory refusal reasons.
Employee Handbook Template UK [Free Guide 2026]
An employee handbook sets the tone for your workplace and protects your business legally. This guide walks through every section a UK employee handbook should contain in 2026, with practical advice on what is legally required versus best practice.
Right to Work Checks UK: Employer Guide [2026]
Every UK employer must verify that each employee has the legal right to work in the UK before they start employment. Getting this wrong can result in civil penalties of up to £60,000 per illegal worker. This guide covers exactly how to conduct compliant right to work checks.
![GDPR for HR: Employee Data Protection Guide UK [2026]](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fblog%2Fgdpr-data-protection.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
GDPR for HR: Employee Data Protection Guide UK [2026]
HR teams process some of the most sensitive personal data in any organisation -- from health records and disciplinary files to salary details and performance reviews. This guide explains exactly what UK GDPR requires of HR departments and how to stay compliant.
How to Set Up HR From Scratch: UK Guide [2026]
Starting a business and hiring your first employees is exciting, but it comes with a raft of legal obligations. This guide walks you through everything you need to set up a compliant HR function from scratch in the UK, from day one contracts to auto-enrolment pensions.
![Probationary Periods UK: Best Practice [2026]](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fblog%2Fprobationary-period.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Probationary Periods UK: Best Practice [2026]
Probationary periods are a standard part of UK employment, but many employers misunderstand their legal status. A probation period does not remove employment rights -- it simply provides a structured framework for assessing new starters. This guide covers what you can and cannot do.
![Performance Review Template [Free UK Guide]](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fblog%2Fperformance-review.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Performance Review Template [Free UK Guide]
Performance reviews are one of the most valuable tools for developing your team and improving business results -- but only if done well. This guide provides a practical template and step-by-step process for running effective performance reviews in a UK workplace.
![Workplace Pension Auto-Enrolment: UK Employer Guide [2026]](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fblog%2Fworkplace-pension.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Workplace Pension Auto-Enrolment: UK Employer Guide [2026]
Every UK employer must automatically enrol eligible workers into a workplace pension scheme. This guide covers your duties, contribution rates, who you must enrol, how to handle opt-outs, and what happens if you get it wrong.
![UK Maternity Pay: 90% Then £194.32/Week [2026 Guide]](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fblog%2Fmaternity-leave.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
UK Maternity Pay: 90% Then £194.32/Week [2026 Guide]
Statutory Maternity Pay: 90% of earnings for 6 weeks, then £194.32/week for 33 weeks (from April 2026). Covers eligibility, notice periods, KIT days, and return-to-work rights.
![Paternity Leave UK: 1-2 Weeks at £194.32 [2026 Guide]](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fblog%2Fpaternity-leave.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Paternity Leave UK: 1-2 Weeks at £194.32 [2026 Guide]
Eligible employees get 1-2 weeks paternity leave at £194.32/week SPP (from April 2026). Since April 2024, leave can be split into 2 blocks. Covers eligibility, pay, and admin.
How to Handle Grievance Procedures UK: ACAS-Compliant Guide
When an employee raises a formal grievance, how you handle it can make the difference between a swift resolution and an expensive employment tribunal claim. This guide follows the ACAS Code of Practice step by step and covers the practical realities of grievance management.
Grove Q1 2026: Onboarding Module, Auto-Assignment & More
Discover what is new in Grove this quarter: our brand new onboarding module, auto-assignment rules, document management, and more.
Remote Work & Leave Policies: Managing Hybrid Teams in 2026
Practical guidance on adapting your leave policies for remote and hybrid working, including multi-location bank holidays and flexible working arrangements.
![TOIL (Time Off In Lieu) Policy: UK Guide [2026]](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fblog%2Ftoil-time-off.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
TOIL (Time Off In Lieu) Policy: UK Guide [2026]
Everything you need to know about Time Off In Lieu (TOIL): how it works, policy best practices, and legal considerations for UK employers.
![Bradford Factor Calculator: UK Employer Guide [2026]](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fblog%2Fbradford-factor.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Bradford Factor Calculator: UK Employer Guide [2026]
Learn how to calculate the Bradford Factor, understand typical trigger points, and use this absence management tool fairly and legally.
UK Holiday Entitlement 2026: 28 Days Statutory Leave Guide
Full-time UK workers get 28 days (5.6 weeks) statutory paid holiday. Covers bank holidays, part-time pro-rata calculations, carry-over, and new starter accrual.
Best HR Software UK 2026: Complete Comparison Guide
Independent comparison of the leading UK HR software solutions for small and medium businesses. Features, pricing, pros and cons.
![Onboarding Checklist Template: Free UK Guide [2026]](/_next/image?url=%2Fimages%2Fblog%2Fonboarding-checklist.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
Onboarding Checklist Template: Free UK Guide [2026]
Research shows great onboarding improves retention by 82%. Get our free checklist template and learn best practices for welcoming new hires.
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) 2026: Rates, Rules & Employer Guide
Complete guide to Statutory Sick Pay in 2026: current rates, eligibility criteria, waiting days, and step-by-step administration for UK employers.
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