smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

A promising venture

Previously, we’ve looked at the reasons why many describe the...
Have your say »

Home >
Employing Staff

RSS

Employing Staff News

The apprenticeship funding follows a £25 million provision last year

Latest apprenticeship fund unveiled

A new £6 million round of government funding has been allocated to support thousands of degree-level higher apprenticeships.

Duvet day for 400,000

‘National Sickie Day’ will cost UK businesses more than £34 million, a business support specialist predicts.

Nameless CVs for fairer hiring

Businesses should encourage all job applicants to send in CVs that do not identify their name or ethnic background, says an employment law specialist.

TUC rallies against tribunal fees

Introducing fees to take claims to employment tribunals could be a huge barrier to equality at work, says the Trades Union Congress.

Jobs market to remain unstable in 2012

Unemployment has hit a 17-year high of 8.4 per cent, finds data.

Higher education not developing work skills

A fifth of UK employers believe school leavers make better employees than university graduates.

Forum supports education-level skills boost

The Forum of Private Business has welcomed government plans to improve how IT is taught in UK schools to better prepare young people for work.

Workers 'underused and demotivated' by lack of support

The underuse of skills in the UK is resulting in lost productivity both for businesses and the economy as a whole, argues a think tank.

Youth employment scheme backed by lobbying group

The Confederation of British Industry has formally backed the government's £1 billion Youth Contract programme aimed at ensuring ‘every young person in the UK is in education or employment’.

Employee pay rewards stagnant in 2011

The majority of company staff saw their pay packets remain static or shrink in 2011.

Employment opportunities on the rise

Job opportunities were 17 per cent higher in December compared to the same period in 2010 and more than a fifth higher than two years ago, according to the latest Reed Job Index.

With staff dropping their work rate and the danger of the Christmas party getting out of hand, the festive period can leave small business owners with a major headache. Use this guide to ease the pain.

What I'm reading now: Get The Job You Really Want

Entrepreneur Michael Kraftman reviews James Caan's latest book on finding success in the job market.

Two-thirds of company directors hire more employees for their business this year

The right recruit

SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to company directors about how to minimise the hassle of hiring staff.

Don't Miss

Modern graduates face a highly competitive job market

First-class employees

Attracting the best graduate to your company is easier if you show an understanding of their journey from higher education to workplace.

Seven ways to beat stress

Michael Jackson, chairman of leading technology venture capitalist Elderstreet Investments, gives SmallBusiness.co.uk his tips for dealing with stress.

Making staff cuts doesn't mean you have to give people the axe.

Reducing salary

There are other ways of reducing your staffing budget without having to take the axe to your workforce.

Events Calendar

Store

FT Guide to Personal Tax

The FT Guide to Personal Tax is published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc and John Bloxham, this unique guide gives step-by-step advice to completing your tax return as well as over 230 tax-saving tips.

Growth Company Investor

Growth Company Investor is widely recognised as the leading magazine for investors interested in AIM and smallcap companies. Published 10 times per year, and brought to you by an award-winning analyst team, it offers subscribers unrivalled insight into high-potential smaller companies. Subscribe today with a 50% discount in your first year.

FT Guide to Business Start Up

The FT Guide to Business Start Up 2012, published by Pearson Education, is written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc. This unique guide has sold over two million copies. It offers practical advice about starting and running your own business.

What Investment

What Investment is the leading and longest-established investment magazine in the UK.

Regular Small Business newsletters
Access to all our experts in the Q & A forum
Post comments on articles

Social lending websites could make finance a lot more accessible

A new era for small business finance

It is an understatement to say that the past few...

FREE Legal, Financial, Accountancy & HR Help

Aska Professional understands the challenges faced by small businesses. That’s why we provide instant access to professional advice and legal templates. FREE access to Solicitors, Accountants, Financial Advisors & HR Specialists. Ask our experts a question and get a personal response within 60 minutes. Sign up now to ask a question - FREE.

Bupa for Businesses

We understand that all businesses are different. To help you choose the right healthcare package for you and your employees, call us today on 08457 66 11 15 or alternatively find out more here.

Hiscox business insurance for small & medium businesses

Hiscox offer specialist business insurance for office based professionals and consultants. Hiscox understand's every business is different and work hard to understand the specific risks small businesses face, so you can choose insurance to suit your individual business needs. Find out which business insurance is suitable for you.

Employing Staff Questions & Answers

Register or login to ask a question to our panel of experts...

Entrepreneurship

Ed Percival, Shirlaws Binfield

Advice for employers

Peter Done, Peninsula

Human Resources

Cecily Lalloo, Embrace HR

More Experts

241 posts

Latest questions answered

Q: Can I reduce staff hours? Q: Can I make a deduction from an employee's salary? Q: Do I need to pay employee for travelling time? Q: Staff and Christmas bonuses Q: Is employee entitled to holiday pay? Q: How can I attract the best apprentices? Q: Will I be able to dismiss an unproductive member of staff?

Blogs

Apprenticeship dreams

Ben Lobel 07/02/2012

So, another government incentive has been dangled in front of small businesses in the form of a fresh £6 million fund for hiring apprentices. Have your say »

A promising venture

Small Business Finance 06/02/2012

Rory Earley, CEO of Capital for Enterprise, explores how small businesses should approach venture capital. Have your say »

Winning new business in 2012

Guest Blogger 02/02/2012

Shaun Thompson, CEO of Sandler Training, explains how growth is possible in frugal times. Have your say »

Polls

SmallBusiness.co.uk Free Tools

Free Brochures

Over 100 free brochures to help you and your business succeed

Compare and buy

Get your business off the ground - bespoke Finance & Insurance Products

Video

Selling on eBay

Ebay trader Chris Dawson gives his tips to selling through the trading website.

Misco Offers for small businesses

At Misco, we understand the constraints faced by small businesses. This is why, we’ve built a team of specialists readily available to share with you their expertise and work with you to find tailored IT solutions fitted to your business requirements. View our offers or call our team of experts today on freephone 0808 181 7582 or by email smallbiz@misco.co.uk.

Compare business insurance quotes

Tailor your policy, compare quotes and buyin minutes! Up to 50% No Claims Discount. Public and Employer's liability, Professional Indemnity, Business premises (also for home based workers) and more! Compare quotes now or call 0845-0723340 today.

Open the door to a new talent

Thousands of women are leaving full-time work with a wealth of experience, and only one requirement from a job: Flexibility. Fill essential skills gaps in your business with an agile, experienced workforce and give yourself the competitive edge. Find out more.

Compare Insurance quotes for Employers Liability

Employers’ Liability insurance covers you and your business against claims from employees injured at work or taken ill as a result of working for you. Compare Insurance quotes for Employers Liability to ensure your business can cover claims without compromising its financial stability.