FAQ's
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HR Questions for Small Business Employers
What HR setup do I need as a new employer?
A new employer HR setup should start with the core documents and processes you need before or from day one: a written statement or employment contract, disciplinary and grievance procedures, probation arrangements, an appropriate sexual harassment policy and prevention measures, privacy information and a clear onboarding process. HR PPL can put the full new employer HR support package in place before your first hire starts.
What Employment Rights Act 2025 changes do employers need to prepare for?
The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces or enables significant changes affecting employers, including unfair dismissal protection, zero-hours arrangements, fire and rehire, flexible working and redundancy related rules. The timetable and detail vary by measure, so employers should review contracts, handbooks, policies and manager processes against the latest implementation dates rather than relying on older documents.
How is a retainer different from just calling when something goes wrong?
A retainer means problems get caught before they become claims and you're never weighing up whether an issue is 'worth' a consultancy fee. It includes unlimited phone and email support for a fixed monthly cost.
Can you handle a disciplinary or grievance for me?
Yes I can run the process end to end (investigation, hearings, outcomes, appeals) or guide your managers through it, making sure everything is fair, documented and defensible.
Are you insured / qualified?
Yes I'm CIPD Level 5 qualified with 15+ years of senior in-house HR experience, and HR PPL holds professional indemnity insurance.
Do you work nationwide or only with businesses in Lincolnshire?
HR PPL supports small businesses and SMEs nationwide by phone, email and video, with on site HR support available where needed. I am based near Spalding in Lincolnshire, so local businesses can also access a genuinely local HR consultant with nationwide capability.
What does it cost?
Retainers start from £149/month, fixed fee documents from £200, and ad hoc support from £99 an hour. Every engagement starts with a free 30 minute call and a clear written proposal no surprises.
I have received an ET1 employment tribunal claim, what should I do?
An ET1 means an employment tribunal claim has been lodged against your business. Deadlines matter, so do not ignore it. Gather the relevant employment documents and correspondence, note the response deadline, and get advice promptly on the issues raised and your next steps. HR PPL can help you organise the HR evidence, understand the people process background and work alongside your legal adviser where appropriate.
How do I check whether someone should be self employed or PAYE?
Employment status depends on the real working relationship, not just the label in a contract. If you are unsure whether someone is genuinely self-employed, a worker or an employee, HR PPL can review the working arrangements and HR documentation so you can identify employment-status and payroll compliance risks early.