HR Advice & Employment Law Support

Expert Guidance and Practical Solutions for Every Business Challenge

When it comes to managing people, every business faces unique challenges. Whether you’re handling a tricky staff issue, navigating the complexities of employment law, or looking for practical advice on everyday HR concerns, Thrive. is here to help.

Our HR Advice & Employment Law Support service gives you direct access to expert guidance, ensuring you feel confident and equipped to make the right decisions for your business.

What We Offer:

HR Advice:

Get clear, tailored advice on:

• Resolving employee disputes and grievances.

• Handling difficult conversations with confidence and professionalism.

• Performance management strategies to keep your team motivated and productive.

• Navigating redundancy processes and consultations.

• Compliance with UK employment laws, including updates like the 2024 legislative changes.

Employment Law Support:

Practical, jargon-free guidance to keep your business compliant:

• Reviewing and updating policies to meet legal requirements.

• Supporting disciplinaries, grievances, and investigations with legally sound processes.

• Ensuring contracts align with the latest employment law.

• Helping you manage TUPE transfers and complex restructures.

Hands-On Support:

For business owners or managers who want practical help, Thrive. can:

• Chair disciplinary and grievance hearings.

• Mediate disputes to rebuild workplace harmony.

• Conduct impartial investigations into employee complaints or misconduct.

Why This Matters

Effective HR management is essential for fostering a productive, compliant, and harmonious workplace. Poor HR practices can lead to significant financial losses, reputational damage, and increased risk of tribunal claims.

Financial Implications of Poor HR Management

Poor HR practices result in significant costs:

• Lost Productivity: Poor management accounts for 64% of lost working time in the UK, costing the economy £87 billion annually[1].

• Workplace Conflict: Workplace conflict costs UK employers approximately £28.5 billion annually, which is over £1,000 per employee[2].

Consequences of Not Following Acas Guidelines

The Acas Code of Practice provides a framework for handling disciplinary and grievance procedures. Failing to follow these guidelines can have costly consequences:

• Increased Tribunal Awards: Employment tribunals may increase compensatory awards by up to 25% if an employer unreasonably fails to comply with the Acas Code[3].

Real-World Example

In the case of Rentplus UK Ltd v Coulson, the Employment Appeal Tribunal upheld a 25% uplift in compensation because the employer failed to follow the Acas Code during a discriminatory dismissal process. This highlights the significant financial and reputational risks of neglecting proper procedures[4].

Legal Costs and Tribunal Awards

Employment tribunal cases are expensive for businesses:

• Average Cost of Defence: Defending a tribunal case can cost an employer up to £8,500 in legal fees alone, not including compensation[5].

• Higher Tribunal Awards: For unfair dismissal claims, awards in the UK average £13,541, with higher awards exceeding £400,000 in complex cases[6].

Failing to invest in proper HR management can lead to unnecessary conflict, high turnover, and costly legal disputes. By following best practices and ensuring compliance with Acas guidelines, employers can:

• Reduce risks of litigation.

• Avoid financial penalties and tribunal claims.

• Create a more engaged, productive workforce.

Citations

1. “Poor Management Costs the UK Billions Each Year,” Personnel Today. Link

2. “Estimating the Cost of Workplace Conflict,” Acas. Link

3. “Acas Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures,” Acas. Link

4. “Employers’ Failure to Follow Acas Code Can Lead to 25% Uplift,” BDB Pitmans. Link

5. “Cost of Defending a Tribunal Case,” Citizens Advice. Link

6. “Employment Tribunal Compensation Statistics,” GOV.UK. Link