First published on Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Last updated on Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Welcome to HR Heartbeat, where we take a look at the week’s most pressing HR and employment law stories. With over 18 years’ experience in employee relations, I give my opinion on current trends impacting your business, as well as my own personal commentary on all things HR and legal.
Vacancies drop, costs climb
UK job vacancies have officially hit their lowest point in nearly four years, with rising employment costs and economic uncertainty putting the brakes on hiring for many employers. From higher National Minimum Wage rates to increased employer National Insurance contributions, it’s no surprise many businesses are hitting pause rather than expanding teams, new stats from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have suggested.
With hiring freezes becoming the go-to move for managing costs, many are asking, “what’s the smart move for employers right now?” My advice is to focus on retention. Upskill your current team with e-learning and streamline people management processes with the right software. And stay on top of compliance, especially as the Employment Rights Bill is set to introduce so many new rules.
Whether you’re growing, pausing, or faced with difficult decisions, the right tools for managing your people make a world of difference in today’s job market.
When horror references belong nowhere near the workplace
In a shocking tribunal case, a housing officer recovering from seizures caused by a violent assault was harassed by her manager—who repeatedly referred to her as Regan from The Exorcist and even sent her an image of the film’s demon possessed child. In a surprise to precisely no-one, the tribunal ruled it as “very serious” harassment related to disability.
Let’s be crystal clear: this behaviour isn’t just extremely inappropriate and cruel—it’s unlawful. Discrimination claims can result in unlimited compensation, and beyond the financial risk, they damage your culture, your reputation, and your people.
This is a wakeup call—train your managers properly to enforce respectful conduct, and ensure everyone knows where they stand with responsibilities, both moral and legal. Compliant policies, while a great foundation, aren’t enough. Ongoing training and a strong HR framework are your best defence to prevent the kind of culture where these incidents can take root.
What jobseekers want—but employers aren’t offering it
Flexible hours, better sick pay, and decent pension contributions top the wish list of today’s jobseekers—but most employers haven’t caught up. According to a new study by TotalJobs, 40% of candidates prioritise flexibility, yet just 13% of job ads mention it. A similar gap exists for sick pay: 25% want it, only 4% see it offered.
It’s a tale as old as time. In a tight jobs market, your benefits package is your competitive edge. If you’re not shouting about the perks you offer—or worse, not offering them at all—you’re bleeding top talent before they even apply.
It’s worth reviewing your benefits and policies to make sure they align with what people actually want. If you’re wondering how to facilitate flexible working in your business, there are some fantastic tools out there to do so with minimal set-up required.
And that’s a wrap from me. Tune in next time for my take on the latest headlines and employment law stories, helping keep your business ahead!
