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Don't get caught out: Is my freelancer actually an employee?
Freelancers look like the perfect solution for small businesses.
But this seemingly simple arrangement can hide unexpected risks that could impact your business.
Sarah Cooper
Nov 29, 20252 min read


Supporting an employee through bereavement: what do you need to know?
When an employee is grieving having clear policies can be one less worry When an employee is grieving, you're managing compassion and business needs at the same time. Balancing support with keeping your business running isn't easy. But the right approach can protect your team and your company. Understanding your legal obligations The law provides some clear guidelines for supporting bereaved employees: Parents who lose a child under 18 (or experience a stillbirth aft
Sarah Cooper
Nov 25, 20252 min read


5 reasons why you should keep your job descriptions up to date
Job descriptions often get left to gather dust. But ignoring them can seriously slow down your business.
Think of job descriptions like a roadmap for your team. Get them right and you make hiring, managing and growing your business so much easier.
Keeping job descriptions up to date isn't just paperwork. It's about making sure your team is set up to help your business succeed.
Sarah Cooper
Nov 20, 20252 min read


How to handle negative feedback during an exit interview
These conversations are your most honest insight into what's really happening in your business and can really help you to improve engagement and retention.
When someone's walking out the door, they've got nothing to lose by telling you the real story.
These conversations are your most honest insight into what's really happening in your business and can really help you to improve engagement and retention.
So, how do you actually handle negative feedback in an exit
Sarah Cooper
Nov 18, 20252 min read


How to conduct lawful right to work checks
If you're hiring someone new, you must check that they have the legal right to work in the UK before they start. That applies to every role and every nationality. Skip it and you risk fines of up to £60,000, plus serious damage to your business and reputation. Get the complete step by step guide to lawful Right to Work checks Get in touch if you need some support with getting this process right internally.
Sarah Cooper
Nov 17, 20251 min read


What should I do if an employee is stealing from my business?
Suspect employee theft in your small business? Act quickly and fairly. Gather evidence, follow a proper investigation and disciplinary process, and stick to the ACAS Code. Avoid knee-jerk action, gossip or dismissals without facts. A UK HR consultant will guide you step by step, protect confidentiality, ensure employment law compliance, and cut tribunal risk. Get calm, compliant support to protect your people, profits and reputation. Book a confidential consultation today.
Sarah Cooper
Nov 7, 20252 min read


Why so many new mothers leave (and how to keep them)
Protecting your investment in good people makes business sense. If you're not confident about how you handle maternity returns or want help with creating a process that works for everyone, get in touch. Losing employees after maternity leave is frustrating and expensive. And when it costs you around £30,000 to replace each employee, every loss matters. 1 in 4 mothers leave their job within a year of returning from maternity leave. This contributes to £650 million in
Sarah Cooper
Nov 6, 20252 min read


HR Newsletter - November 2025
Stay informed with the Fluid HR & Coaching newsletter. Get expert HR advice, UK employment law updates and practical people management tips from trusted HR consultant Sarah Cooper. Designed for small and growing businesses, it helps you stay compliant, solve HR challenges and build a positive workplace culture with confidence and clarity.
Sarah Cooper
Nov 4, 20255 min read
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