Significant changes to unfair dismissal rights are on the horizon, meaning employers will have less time to identify and address performance, conduct and attendance concerns. This practical, jargon-free session will explain the changes, cut through the headlines, and help you understand what the changes mean, what you need to do differently, and how to continue making recruitment decisions with confidence.
Who Should Attend?
This session is ideal for business owners, managers and team leaders in small and growing businesses in Berkshire.
Whether you recruit regularly or only occasionally, we’ll help you understand the upcoming changes, what they mean in reality, and the practical steps you can take to reduce risk and manage employees confidently from day one.
What We Will Cover
We’ll explain the changes to unfair dismissal rights in plain English, focusing on what matters most for SME employers and how to prepare ahead of implementation including:
- What’s Changing and When – understanding changes to unfair dismissal rights and the expected timeline
- The New Employment Landscape – what the changes mean for small businesses in practice
- Contracts, Policies and Documentation – the key foundations every business should have in place
- Managing Performance from Day One – setting expectations, giving feedback and addressing concerns early
- Probation Periods Explained – what role they may play under the new rules and how to use them effectively
- Having Difficult Conversations – practical tips for addressing conduct, capability and attendance concerns with confidence
- Building Manager Confidence – creating simple processes that support good decision-making and reduce risk
Leave with a clearer understanding of the changes, practical actions you can take now, and the confidence to continue recruiting and managing employees effectively in your business.
No legal jargon. No scare tactics. Just straightforward HR advice for growing businesses.
About the hosts:

Katy Cracknell and Gemma Higgins run Clear Bridge HR, a down-to-earth HR consultancy that supports small and growing businesses with all their people needs — no jargon, no fluff, just practical, straight-talking advice. Whether you’re hiring, navigating a tricky issue, or staying on top of compliance, our team is here to make HR simple, stress-free, and tailored to your business.
With experienced HR partners who’ve worked across every sector — from nimble start-ups to global giants — there’s very little we haven’t seen and nothing we can’t help with.
https://www.clearbridgehr.co.uk/

