The post-Brexit hiring landscape has transformed how UK businesses can employ international talent, with EU citizens now subject to the same visa requirements as candidates from anywhere else in the world. I break down the entire sponsor license process, explaining exactly what small businesses need to know when hiring non-UK candidates.

• Sponsor licenses are required unless candidates are British/Irish, have settled/pre-settled status, or already hold an eligible work visa
• The application costs £536 for small businesses/charities or £1,579 for medium/large businesses
• Processing typically takes 8-12 weeks with current delays
• You must assign a reliable Authorizing Officer and demonstrate proper monitoring systems
• Only skilled roles meeting minimum salary thresholds can be sponsored
• Visa costs range from £769-£1,519 plus the Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year)
• Employers cannot charge employees for sponsorship costs but can arrange repayment plans for visa fees
• April 2025 updates include mandatory care sector partnerships, increased salary thresholds, and new rules for creative industries
• Practical onboarding support for relocation is essential for success

Keep an eye out for future episodes where I'll explain visa routes that don't require sponsorship. Until then, stay compliant, stay caffeinated, and keep buzzing!

Thank you for tuning in to Buzzing About HR with Kate Underwood!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your feedback helps us grow and reach more people like you.

Have questions or need HR advice? Reach out to Kate Underwood HR & Training at www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk, email us on [email protected] or follow us on social media for more tips, resources, and updates.

Until next time, keep buzzing and take care of your people!

The countdown is on! With just five days until the new neonatal care leave and pay legislation takes effect, this episode delivers everything HR professionals need to know to be ready, compliant, and compassionate.

Starting April 2025, eligible employees will be entitled to up to 12 weeks of additional leave when their newborn requires hospital care—a critical lifeline for parents facing one of parenthood's most challenging starts. We break down exactly who qualifies (employees with 26 weeks' service who meet the earnings threshold), how the pay works (statutory rates that can be enhanced), and the flexibility built into the system (leave can be taken in blocks over 68 weeks).

Beyond the technical requirements, we explore the human side of this legislation. This isn't just another compliance exercise—it's about supporting real people through crisis. That's why we're particularly proud of our partnership with New Life Special Care Babies, our Charity of the Year, which provides vital support to neonatal units across the UK. Their founder, Trevor, will join us soon to share insights into the emotional reality behind the legislation.

For HR teams scrambling to prepare, we provide a practical six-point checklist covering everything from policy updates to insurance reviews. Our advice includes an often-overlooked opportunity: checking your business insurance policies, which might allow you to offer enhanced pay with minimal additional cost. We also tackle our clients' most frequently asked questions, addressing common concerns about eligibility, approval processes, and implementation.

Whether you're fully prepared or just starting to think about implementation, this episode equips you with clear guidance, practical tips, and resources to support your team. Visit our website for policy templates, statutory rate tables, and additional resources—because while compliance is good, compassion is even better.

Thank you for tuning in to Buzzing About HR with Kate Underwood!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your feedback helps us grow and reach more people like you.

Have questions or need HR advice? Reach out to Kate Underwood HR & Training at www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk, email us on [email protected] or follow us on social media for more tips, resources, and updates.

Until next time, keep buzzing and take care of your people!

Ready for a seismic shift in UK employment law? Kate, your resident HR expert and self-confessed employment law geek, dives deep into the Employment Rights Bill that's about to transform workplace relationships across Britain.

The changes are substantial and far-reaching. Unfair dismissal claims will become a day one right rather than requiring two years of service. The controversial "fire and rehire" practice faces severe restrictions with potential penalties doubling to 180 days' pay. Redundancy rules are being overhauled to prevent companies from avoiding consultation by making smaller cuts across multiple locations. Zero-hours workers will gain new rights to guaranteed contracts after 12 weeks of regular work, while shift workers will receive compensation for last-minute cancellations.

But that's not all – holiday pay records must be maintained for six years, tribunal time limits are doubling from three to six months, and a new Fair Work Agency will actively enforce employment rights. Kate expertly unpacks what's changing, what's been scrapped, and most importantly, what it all means for small business owners trying to navigate this evolving landscape.

What makes this episode particularly valuable is Kate's practical action plan for staying ahead of these changes. Rather than simply explaining the legislation, she provides a step-by-step approach for reviewing contracts, upgrading record-keeping systems, monitoring consultation timelines, communicating effectively with employees, and ensuring compliance before enforcement begins.

Want to prepare your business for these landmark changes before they take effect in 2026? Subscribe now and join Kate next week for a crucial episode on neonatal leave policies coming into effect in April 2025. Your HR compliance strategy starts here!

C-Suite Perspectives
Elevate how you lead with insight from today’s most influential executives.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Thank you for tuning in to Buzzing About HR with Kate Underwood!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your feedback helps us grow and reach more people like you.

Have questions or need HR advice? Reach out to Kate Underwood HR & Training at www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk, email us on [email protected] or follow us on social media for more tips, resources, and updates.

Until next time, keep buzzing and take care of your people!

The financial landscape for small businesses is shifting dramatically with National Insurance contributions increasing to 15% in April 2025. This looming change threatens to squeeze already tight margins and create significant payroll challenges. But what if there was a strategic approach that could offset these costs while actually giving your employees more value?

Salary sacrifice schemes represent that rare financial opportunity where both employers and employees genuinely benefit. At their core, these arrangements allow employees to exchange a portion of their gross salary for valuable non-cash benefits, reducing the taxable income for both parties. The result? Significant savings on National Insurance contributions precisely when businesses need it most.

Through practical, real-world examples, we explore how different businesses have successfully implemented these schemes. A marketing agency with 10 employees saved £3,500 annually through pension salary sacrifice while boosting employee retirement savings. A retail company with 25 staff introduced an electric vehicle scheme, saving over £6,000 yearly while enhancing their sustainability credentials. A tech startup implemented a cycle-to-work program, reducing NI costs by £2,000 while helping employees slash commuting expenses and improve fitness.

What makes salary sacrifice particularly powerful is its versatility. From pension contributions (the most popular option) to electric vehicle leasing, cycle-to-work schemes, and childcare vouchers, there's likely a configuration that aligns with your business objectives and employee needs. While implementation requires careful attention to compliance and communication, the potential rewards make it worth exploring.

Ready to transform the NI increase from a threat into an opportunity? Whether you're looking to offset rising costs, enhance employee benefits without increasing direct compensation, or build a more financially efficient business model, salary sacrifice offers a practical pathway forward. Contact us today to discover how we can help you design and implement a scheme tailored to your specific business needs.

C-Suite Perspectives
Elevate how you lead with insight from today’s most influential executives.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Thank you for tuning in to Buzzing About HR with Kate Underwood!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your feedback helps us grow and reach more people like you.

Have questions or need HR advice? Reach out to Kate Underwood HR & Training at www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk, email us on [email protected] or follow us on social media for more tips, resources, and updates.

Until next time, keep buzzing and take care of your people!

Have you ever given a quick pay rise to keep someone from leaving, only to watch it snowball into resentment across your team? That knee-jerk decision might be costing you far more than you realize.

With International Women's Day approaching and the National Living Wage set to increase next month, pay fairness questions are unavoidable for small business leaders. This episode dives deep into the real-world challenges of handling counter offers and pay decisions when margins are tight and good people are getting poached.

We walk through a practical decision framework that helps you navigate these difficult moments with clarity and consistency. You'll learn how to choose the right mechanism for each situation—whether that's a retention bonus, market adjustment, or progression increase—while protecting your business from equal pay risks that affect companies of all sizes.

The legal lowdown section demystifies equal pay law in plain English, addressing common misconceptions head-on. Contrary to popular belief, equal pay applies to businesses of all sizes, not just those required to report. Jobs don't need to be identical for comparisons to be valid, and "market rate" isn't a magic defence unless you can prove it with solid evidence.

Through mini-dramas illustrating common pay scenarios gone wrong, we demonstrate how seemingly small decisions can trigger costly spirals of resentment, claims, and turnover. The episode closes with a rapid-fire Q&A addressing your most pressing questions about comparators, job evaluation, and time limits for claims.

Pay decisions are well-being decisions that directly impact both your people and performance. Which approach will cost your business less: creating a fair structure that withstands scrutiny, or constantly firefighting departures and rebuilding teams? 

Download our free one-page Paym Rise Decision Flow and share it with your busiest manager today.

Thank you for tuning in to Buzzing About HR with Kate Underwood!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your feedback helps us grow and reach more people like you.

Have questions or need HR advice? Reach out to Kate Underwood HR & Training at www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk, email us on [email protected] or follow us on social media for more tips, resources, and updates.

Until next time, keep buzzing and take care of your people!

The future of work is a hot topic, especially as we navigate the intricate dynamics of hybrid and in-office models. In this episode, we dive deep into the battle of work styles, examining the perks and pitfalls of each approach. With many employees now comfortable working from couch to boardroom, we explore how hybrid structures can offer flexibility while still retaining the energy and collaboration of an office environment.

The conversation doesn’t shy away from challenges; we discuss communication hurdles, potential feelings of isolation, and the importance of regular engagement—especially for remote team members. As we dissect the benefits of face-to-face interactions, we collectively ponder whether the short commute to the office could outweigh the cuddly comforts of home. Our insightful discussions offer valuable insights into finding the right balance for your organisation, helping you navigate between comfort and productivity.

We also highlight strategies for implementing an effective work model tailored to your team's unique needs. From core hours to leveraging technology for engagement, the episode offers actionable takeaways that leaders can utilize immediately. Join us as we explore future trends and the evolving expectations of employees. Don’t miss out on essential insights designed to help you maximise employee satisfaction and productivity—whether they're dressed in pyjamas or business casual. 

Connect with us, share your thoughts, and experience the journey of transforming workplace culture for the better! Subscribe now and join the conversation!

Thank you for tuning in to Buzzing About HR with Kate Underwood!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your feedback helps us grow and reach more people like you.

Have questions or need HR advice? Reach out to Kate Underwood HR & Training at www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk, email us on [email protected] or follow us on social media for more tips, resources, and updates.

Until next time, keep buzzing and take care of your people!

In this episode of Buzzing About HR, host Kate Underwood takes a closer look at the rise in National Insurance contributions coming in April 2025 and what it really means for small and medium-sized businesses.

With contributions increasing to 15%, many employers are already feeling the squeeze. Payroll costs are climbing, hiring decisions are being delayed, and some businesses are even considering redundancies to stay afloat. Others are exploring contractor arrangements to cut costs, but that brings its own challenges, especially with proposed changes that could abolish zero-hours contracts altogether.

Kate unpicks how these shifts could ripple through your workforce, from engagement and morale to long-term planning. She shares practical, people-first strategies to help you steady the ship, protect jobs where you can, and keep your culture strong even when budgets are tight.

If you are a small business owner or HR lead wondering how to balance the books without burning out your team, this episode will help you find that middle ground between financial reality and human impact.

For hands-on support, you can reach Kate at [email protected] for a strategy session, contract review, or to book a free HR Health Check.

You will also find more tips and updates at www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk.

C-Suite Perspectives
Elevate how you lead with insight from today’s most influential executives.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Thank you for tuning in to Buzzing About HR with Kate Underwood!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your feedback helps us grow and reach more people like you.

Have questions or need HR advice? Reach out to Kate Underwood HR & Training at www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk, email us on [email protected] or follow us on social media for more tips, resources, and updates.

Until next time, keep buzzing and take care of your people!

In this episode of Buzzing About HR, host Kate Underwood explores one of the most important topics for any workplace: mental health.

For small and medium-sized businesses, the impact of poor mental health can be huge. But with the right approach, supporting your team’s wellbeing isn’t just good ethics, it’s good business.

Kate shares practical ways to create a mentally healthy workplace, the role of leaders in setting the tone, and why investing in mental health support can pay off in performance, loyalty and culture.

Here’s what’s covered in this episode:

• The current state of mental health in UK workplaces

• Why SMEs often feel the strain most

• Kate’s own experience of mental health and seeking support

• How proactive strategies make all the difference

• Using the Mind.org.uk Workplace Action Plans effectively

• The value of occupational health services

• The real economic benefits of investing in mental health

• Common questions and practical solutions from the field

• A call to action for business owners and HR professionals to make mental health a priority

☕ And if you’re ready to see how your business measures up, start with a FREE HR Health Check.

C-Suite Perspectives
Elevate how you lead with insight from today’s most influential executives.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Thank you for tuning in to Buzzing About HR with Kate Underwood!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your feedback helps us grow and reach more people like you.

Have questions or need HR advice? Reach out to Kate Underwood HR & Training at www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk, email us on [email protected] or follow us on social media for more tips, resources, and updates.

Until next time, keep buzzing and take care of your people!

In this episode of Buzzing About HR, host Kate Underwood tackles one of the hardest parts of running a business: redundancies.

Whether it’s financial pressure, restructuring, or simply the need to evolve, making roles redundant is never just a legal process — it’s a human one. Kate unpacks how to do it properly: with fairness, empathy, and a clear plan that keeps both the business and its people steady through change.

You’ll learn how to:

• Plan a compliant redundancy process from start to finish
• Communicate difficult news with honesty and care
• Support those staying behind to avoid “survivor syndrome”
• Keep morale, trust, and engagement from falling off a cliff

If you’re a business owner or HR lead facing tough choices, or just want to be better prepared for the future, this episode will help you approach redundancies with confidence and compassion, and keep your culture intact along the way.

Ready to check how resilient your people processes are? Complete a FREE HR Health Check and see where your business stands.

C-Suite Perspectives
Elevate how you lead with insight from today’s most influential executives.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Smart AI Business & Tax Moves: Think Like Kenner French & VastSolutionsGroup.com
Smart AI, business & tax strategies with Kenner French. Fresh insights!

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

Thank you for tuning in to Buzzing About HR with Kate Underwood!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your feedback helps us grow and reach more people like you.

Have questions or need HR advice? Reach out to Kate Underwood HR & Training at www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk, email us on [email protected] or follow us on social media for more tips, resources, and updates.

Until next time, keep buzzing and take care of your people!

Buzzing About HR
Straight talking HR for real businesses.

Welcome to the hive.

This is the podcast for business owners and managers who sometimes think, “Why does managing people feel harder than running the actual business?”

If you have ever opened your inbox to a resignation you did not expect, avoided a tricky conversation for weeks, or found yourself googling employment law late at night hoping for a straight answer, you are in exactly the right place.

I am Kate Underwood. I work with small businesses every day, often when things feel messy, uncomfortable or slightly on fire. Buzzing About HR is where we talk honestly about what really happens at work, not what the textbook says should happen.

Each episode digs into the real people stuff. The awkward conversations. The grey areas. The decisions you have to make without a perfect answer. There is no fluffy nonsense here and no corporate waffle. Just practical advice you can actually use, shared with warmth, humour and a good dose of realism.

We talk about things like:
How to handle difficult conversations without losing sleep
How to make compliance feel like protection, not punishment
How to build a culture people want to stay in
How to stay sane while running a business that never really switches off

You will hear real stories from the frontline, lessons learned the hard way and simple frameworks to help you make better people decisions with confidence.

The podcast is powered by cake, coffee and the quiet judgement of Hazel, our resident Wellbeing Officer, who firmly believes most HR problems could be solved with clearer boundaries and better snacks.

If you want to know where your business really stands, start with a free HR Health Check. It will show you what is working, what is wobbling and what to fix first. You will find it at www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk.

You can also visit the website, email [email protected], or connect with me on social media for behind-the-scenes moments and the occasional photo of Hazel on tea break duty.

So grab a coffee, pull up a chair and let’s talk about the people side of business properly.

Thank you for listening to Buzzing About HR.

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe, rate and leave a review. It really helps more small businesses find support that makes sense.

Until next time, keep buzzing and take care of your people. 🐝

Thank you for tuning in to Buzzing About HR with Kate Underwood!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review—your feedback helps us grow and reach more people like you.

Have questions or need HR advice? Reach out to Kate Underwood HR & Training at www.kateunderwoodhr.co.uk, email us on [email protected] or follow us on social media for more tips, resources, and updates.

Until next time, keep buzzing and take care of your people!