Zero hours contracts get a bad press, but in general practice, dentistry, and optometry they can be the difference between surviving a staffing crisis and drowning in locum costs. In Birmingham, one GP surgery uses a small pool of zero hours receptionists to cover winter pressures. In Wolverhampton, opticians are running Saturday clinics with zero hours optometrists instead of pricey locums. Across Coventry, Coleshill, Solihull, dental practices are using them to plug school holiday gaps. Done properly, zero hours contracts give practice managers local, flexible cover without the tribunal risk. Done badly, they’re a ticking time bomb.

Employment tribunal claims are surging in 2025 — and employers are facing longer waits, bigger risks, and higher awards. Unfair dismissal, breach of contract and disability discrimination are leading the charge, with cases climbing more than 20% on last year. While only a small fraction of claims succeed at a hearing, the ones that do can cost employers dearly — especially when discrimination or ACAS uplifts are involved. In this blog, I break down the latest numbers, what’s driving the backlog, and what every business owner needs to do to stay out of tribunal.

This blog explores why workplace flexibility has started to feel like a one-way street for so many managers, and what recent case law means for the balance between give and take. Using the Brake Bros Ltd v Hudek [2025] EAT judgement as a starting point, I unpack why clarity in contracts protects both employers and employees, and how managers can stop feeling trapped by constant flexibility demands. You’ll learn why pausing before you automatically approve requests is not about shutting flexibility down, but about creating more of it. Backed by evidence from the UK four-day week trial, family-friendly policies and hybrid working studies, this article shows why managers hold the power to reset the conversation, build healthier relationships, and unlock flexibility that works both ways.

A recent tribunal ruling shows that firing an employee for online shopping at work isn’t as simple as it sounds. In Lanuszka v Accountancy MK Services Ltd [2025], the judge found the dismissal unfair — not because shopping at work is acceptable, but because the employer had no evidence, no process, and a predetermined outcome. For West Midlands employers, the lesson is clear: fairness and procedure matter more than the alleged misconduct itself. Rosie Campbell, employment law specialist and HR consultant, explains what went wrong and how to avoid making the same mistakes.

ADHD-related employment tribunal cases have risen by 750% since 2020 — and West Midlands employers can’t afford to ignore it. With autism, dyslexia, and dyspraxia claims also surging, businesses in Birmingham, Solihull, Worcester and beyond face growing legal and reputational risks. Rosie Campbell, a Master of Laws and experienced HR Director, explains why old attitudes won’t wash, what “reasonable adjustments” really mean, and how the right approach can protect your business while unlocking the strengths of a neurodiverse workforce.

Has an Employment Tribunal (ET1) claim landed on your desk? Don’t panic—Thrive HR, your West Midlands HR consultant, is here to help healthcare SMEs navigate the process with confidence. Our free ET1 Documentation Checklist and Fast-Track ET1 Survival Guide provide practical steps to protect your business, from gathering evidence to filing your ET3 response. Based in Coleshill, we specialise in primary care HR solutions, ensuring you stay compliant and stress-free. Read our full ET1 guide and download your free resources at www.thrive-hr.uk/thrive-blog/et1-guide. #HealthcareHR #WestMidlands

If you’re running a business, you’ve probably Googled “free contract template” or been pitched expensive HR support from a big firm. Tempting, right? But here’s the truth: poor contracts are one of the most common reasons businesses end up in tribunal…and it’s completely avoidable.

In this post, I share what I’ve learned as a Head of HR, employment law expert, and CIPD assessor, including real tribunal examples, why AI tools can’t be trusted with legal documents, and why Thrive. contracts are the smarter, safer option for ambitious business owners.

What do you do when an employee cries in a one-to-one?

It’s a moment many managers dread — but it’s more common than you think. In fact, over 1 in 3 UK workers have cried at work in the past year¹, often due to stress, burnout or feeling unsupported.

In this emotionally intelligent guide, we walk you through:

• Why people cry at work — and what it really means

• A step-by-step way to respond calmly and compassionately

• What not to say in the moment

• How to create a culture where it’s safe to be human

Your response can shape trust, safety, and loyalty across your whole team.

Read the full blog to lead with confidence and care — even in the most vulnerable moments.

Being bullied at work? You’re not alone — and you don’t have to put up with it.

Almost one in three UK workers say they’ve experienced bullying in the workplace¹. Whether it’s constant criticism, being excluded, or more overt behaviour, the impact can be huge.

In our latest blog, we break down:

• What workplace bullying really looks like

• How to start protecting yourself

• What to do if things don’t improve

• How employers can create safer, more respectful workplaces

This is your step-by-step guide to feeling safer, speaking up, and finding support.

Read the full post and take the first step towards reclaiming your work life.

“Woman” Now Legally Means Biological Female: What the Supreme Court’s Landmark Ruling Means for Your Workplace

In a historic judgment, the UK Supreme Court has confirmed that the word “woman” in the Equality Act refers to biological sex, not gender identity, when single-sex exceptions apply. Trans women with Gender Recognition Certificates are no longer included in this definition for certain roles and services. What does this mean for your HR policies, data reporting, and legal risk? Here’s what every employer and service provider needs to know.

With new tax increases and wage hikes set to take effect in April 2025, UK hospitality businesses are facing mounting financial pressures. Over 70% of businesses anticipate reducing staff or cutting trading hours in response to rising National Insurance Contributions (NICs), reduced rates relief, and a higher minimum wage. For small business owners, the key to survival lies in proactive financial planning, cost optimisation, and strategic workforce management. This guide explores the upcoming changes, their impact on staffing, and practical steps to keep your business profitable without sacrificing service quality. Now is the time to act—read on to prepare your business for the road ahead.

The UK’s Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) has introduced new behaviour standards aimed at tackling bullying, harassment, and discrimination in the workplace. With creative industries often lacking dedicated HR support, line managers are now at the forefront of enforcing these guidelines. This blog explores what the new CIISA standards mean for managers, how to implement them effectively, and why proactive leadership is key to fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performing workplace. Learn how to stay compliant while building a culture where creativity and collaboration can thrive.

Struggling with team issues? Avoiding HR won’t make them go away—it will make them worse. Whether it’s underperformance, toxic behaviour, or losing your best people, the key to better leadership isn’t more paperwork—it’s having the right tools to manage people effectively. In this blog, we break down how proactive HR strategies can help you handle difficult conversations, boost retention, and make managing your team easier. If you’re tired of firefighting and ready to lead with confidence, this is for you.

Struggling with the mid-week slump? For managers, Wednesdays can bring overwhelm, unresolved team issues, mounting workloads, and dwindling energy. But instead of letting stress take over, take back control. This blog shares five evidence-based strategies to reset your focus, tackle people management challenges, and finish the week strong. From handling capability vs. conduct issues to smarter delegation and energy management, these practical steps will help you lead with confidence.

The new Neonatal Leave and Pay rights offer vital support for parents with babies in neonatal care, providing up to 12 weeks of additional leave and pay. This blog breaks down who qualifies, when the entitlement starts, and how employers can ensure compliance while fostering a supportive workplace.

The UK government is cracking down on worker misclassification in the gig economy, putting businesses at risk of fines, legal claims, and reputational damage. Learn what this means for line managers, how to ensure compliance, and the practical steps you can take to protect your business while fostering a fair and thriving workplace.