The HR Dept Bristol, Bath & North Somerset

19/10/2026

Is your businesses ready for the upcoming sexual harassment law changes?

From 30th October 2026, businesses will face increased responsibilities when it comes to preventing workplace and third party sexual harassment. Now is the time to review your current approach and understand what action may be needed. Read our latest blog to find out what's changing and the actions employers should be taking to prepare: https://www.hrdept.co.uk/knowledge-hub/blog/taking-all-reasonable-steps-to-prevent-sexual-harassment

16/10/2026

The phones and email inboxes have been busy this week with a wide variety of HR queries including:

TUPE
Redundancy
Capability
Contracts
Parental leave
Flexible working requests
Performance management
eLearning
Failed probation
Occupational health
Grievances
Appeals
Handbooks
Settlement agreements
Maternity leave
Sickness absence
Investigations
and more....

Our Advice Line clients benefit from unlimited phone and email support from our HR professionals. Call us on 0117 970 2955 to find out more about our Advice Line service.

15/10/2026

Bristol Breakfast Networking — Visitor Day
22 October 2026

Looking to meet new people and raise your business profile? Join our friendly morning group for relaxed conversation, meaningful connections, and new opportunities. Come see what we’re all about!

Limited spaces-book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/visitors-day-bristol-breakfast-networking-club-22nd-october-2026-tickets-2000036900208?keep_tld=true

Established in 1999 - Come for a one-off visit and network with our membership at Aqua Welsh Back, Bristol BS1 4RR

14/10/2026

In this free webinar, we explain what SMEs business leaders need to do to ensure their business remains compliant with the sexual and third-party harassment changes happening on 30th October.

Reserve your place here: 86492874-7d93-4f80-8d4c-7ba97204bfe4@a5e0844b-2b2d-4294-b311-e32809783548" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/86492874-7d93-4f80-8d4c-7ba97204bfe4@a5e0844b-2b2d-4294-b311-e32809783548

14/10/2026

On 30th October, the law regarding sexual harassment in workplaces is strengthened to require employers to take “ALL reasonable steps” (rather than just “reasonable steps”) to prevent sexual harassment. It will also increase in scope to include harassment by third parties.

We have been flagging this change for months, so hopefully regular readers are well informed. But a recent survey by Acas found that about 40% of employers were still unaware of the changes. So if you know any businesses that are in this situation, please do share this with them.

In our latest blog, we discuss new the harassment law changes along with the actions employers need to take to ensure they are ready and compliant ahead of 30th October: https://www.hrdept.co.uk/knowledge-hub/blog/taking-all-reasonable-steps-to-prevent-sexual-harassment

10/10/2026

Mental health is an essential part of a healthy workplace environment and is something we should all feel comfortable talking about.

As an employer, you play a key role in creating an environment where people feel valued, supported and free to be themselves.

From encouraging regular check-ins to offering flexible working arrangements and practical support, small actions can have meaningful impact on employee wellbeing and workplace culture.

If you're exploring ways to shape a wellbeing strategy that fits your team and your business, The HR Dept are here to help.

09/10/2026

This week we have supported local businesses with a wide variety of HR matters including:

flexible working requests
redundancy
appeals
performance management
recruitment
dismissals
sickness absence
occupational health
staff surveys
capability
investigations
grievances
handbook updates
and more...

Find out how we can support the HR function in your business. Call us on 01179 702955 or visit www.hrdept.co.uk

08/10/2026

It’s National work life week

A positive work-life balance plays an important role in employee wellbeing, engagement, and overall job satisfaction.

This week is a great opportunity to check in with your team, encourage open conversations, and explore ways to create a more supportive and flexible working environment.

By prioritising employee wellbeing, businesses can benefit from happier teams, improved productivity, and stronger retention.

Looking for practical ways to support your people? Get in touch with our team today. Call us on 0117 970 2955 or visit www.hrdept.co.uk

07/10/2026

There’s no need to dwell on the benefits of good employee wellbeing for employees, they speak for themselves. But have you considered the benefits to your business?

Healthy, happy and motivated workers can help improve productivity, reduce absenteeism and presenteeism, and boost employee loyalty. Investment in employee wellbeing can also support recruitment and retention, especially in a world where employee experiences are shared more publicly than ever.

In our latest blog, we explore the benefits of employee wellbeing for both your people and your business, along with practical tips to help strengthen your approach to supporting employee wellbeing: https://www.hrdept.co.uk/knowledge-hub/blog/well-being-for-employees-and-your-business

02/10/2026

Yet another busy week for our HR advisors, supporting local businesses with:

investigations
training
restructures
maternity returns
performance management
contract amendments
grievances
flexible working requests
handbooks
contracts
invite letters
redundancies
and more...

Find out how we can support the HR function in your business. Call us on 0117 970 2955 or visit www.hrdept.co.uk