HR Hotline’s Post

HR leaders across the UK are watching the latest budget news with concern... and for good reason. With employer national insurance contributions rising to 15% and new employment rights legislation adding to HR’s administrative load, these tax hikes present serious challenges for hiring, workforce development, and retention. For many businesses, the cost pressures mean every investment in people will be scrutinised even more. HR professionals may need to get creative with strategies that support teams without overburdening budgets. Upskilling and internal mobility have never been more critical, and leaning into effective benefits communication can enhance retention without excessive cost. For those of us in recruitment, this landscape calls for a shift in how we advise clients on attracting talent. A strong benefits package, progression route, hybrid and flexible working, and clear pay philosophy have become as important as base salary in candidates’ eyes, and that insight is crucial for competitive hiring. As well as a focus on positive employer culture - with toxic work environments ranking as a top reason for many HR professionals looking to move. The silver lining here? It’s an opportunity for HR to become a strategic driver of resilience and growth. Transformative HR tech and data-driven strategies can enable companies to thrive, even in challenging times. While this budget brings tough decisions, it also reminds us of the powerful role HR can play in shaping a sustainable, future-focused workforce. I'd love to hear how HR professionals are navigating these new challenges! Share your thoughts below in the comments👇🏽 AcquireHR #HR #HRRecruitment #Recruitment #HRJobs #HRCareers

💷On the 30th October 2024 the new Labour government delivered its first budget to the House of Commons. The budget is set to raise public spending, tax and government borrowing compared to the previous government’s plans. 💭For HR professionals, understanding the implications of these changes is essential as they could reshape business strategies, hiring practices and employee management. Understand the details with our recent article⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eXBBgCBY #Labour #LabourGovernment #LabourBudget #HRleaders #HRcommunity #UKHR #PeopleProfessionals #HRstrategy #PeopleStrategy #HiringPractices #EmployeeManagement

🧳 Autumn Budget 2024… Definitely a hot topic of conversation that’s been happening over the past week since the announcement. But what the Autumn Budget means for employers, employees and benefits? 👉While the rise in NI contributions has undoubtedly turned up the financial pressure on employers, it has also increased the untapped value of exploring salary sacrifice benefits. 👉 Earlier this year, 67% of HR managers in the UK revealed that a lack of budget was their largest roadblock and that they were expected to “do more with less”. Already feeling the squeeze, these new announcements may not do much to boost HR budgets, and with businesses now paying more NI, maximising the value and impact of your existing Recognition & Reward pot is going to be crucial going forward. Read more in our latest article below into what employers, employees and the world of benefits can expect to see. Reward Gateway #AutumnBudget2024 #EmployeeEngagement https://lnkd.in/e5VSewrb

The real cost of the UK Autumn Budget isn't what you think. Everyone's talking about: 1️⃣ 15% Employer NI (up from 13.8%) 2️⃣ £12.21 National Minimum Wage 3️⃣ £40bn in tax rises But here's what smart employers are focusing on instead: → Salary sacrifice opportunities → Recognition programme optimisation → Strategic benefit redesign Because when employer costs go up, you need more than just budget cuts. You need a smarter approach to employee experience. We've broken down exactly how leading companies are turning these challenges into opportunities. https://lnkd.in/eJ85Dd2V #UKBudget #HR #EmployeeBenefits

I’ve already had two conversations today with clients on how we can help them with salary sacrifice schemes and recognition. The link to the ebook below could be interesting for you……

With the first budget being delivered since Labour came into power, People Management outline the key changes affecting employers and what HR need to know. Read more below ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eFkCnaEW

Flexible Workers - Impact of the Autumn Budget 🌍🍁 The latest Autumn Budget is a curveball for the flexible workforce that contributes a whopping £331bn annually to the UK economy. From public services to IT and financial sectors, flexible workers are integral to our infrastructure. Yet, the new Labour government's first budget shows they might not fully grasp our sector's intricacies. The big headline? A 1.2% hike in employer's national insurance and a reduction in the NI secondary threshold. This move hits hard, especially for the 700,000 umbrella company workers. Despite government claims that it won't affect take-home pay, employer's NI rise could translate to lower net pay. Hirers and recruitment firms will need savvy strategies to navigate these changes and avoid financial strain. Additionally, a crackdown on non-compliant umbrella companies has been confirmed - something that has been long overdue. While this shapes up to create a more transparent market, it puts extra responsibility on hirers to ensure compliance or face penalties. Engaging reputable umbrella companies and reassessing IR35 policies could be essential steps to retaining talent and staying compliant. What are your thoughts on these changes? How will your organisation adapt? Share your insights in the comments. Visit henlee.co.uk for more on our recruitment solutions. #FlexibleWork #UKBudget #Recruitment #HRjobsSwindon #HRjobsBristol

📢 What the New UK Autumn Budget Means for HR Leaders and Employers The 2024 UK budget, introduced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, brings major shifts for businesses and HR leaders. With updates focused on supporting workers and fueling economic growth, HR professionals need to strategise carefully to balance financial health and employee well-being. 1️⃣ 💷Minimum Wage Increase – Starting April 2025, minimum wage will rise, meaning HR teams must recalibrate salary structures and budgets to remain competitive and financially stable. 2️⃣ 📈NIC Contributions Rise – Employer NIC rates will jump from 13.8% to 15%, urging businesses to streamline operations and offset these added costs. 3️⃣ 🚀Boosted Investment in Skills – With a focus on upskilling, HR leaders have a chance to leverage government-backed programs to enhance workforce capabilities in tech and sustainability. 👉For more on how to navigate these changes, read our latest blog: https://lnkd.in/eKUctHeu #HR #UKBudget #WorkforcePlanning #BusinessGrowth

📢 Exciting News for Employers! We've just released our latest newsletter covering the key HR takeaways from the recent Budget announcement! 💼📊 https://lnkd.in/e8-Q-56X In this edition, we break down important updates on the National Living Wage increase, National Insurance adjustments, and business rates relief—all tailored to help you understand how these changes can benefit your business and workforce. From wage boosts for employees to strategic planning opportunities for employers, this Budget brings plenty to consider. Dive in to explore how these updates could impact your 2025 goals and how to stay a step ahead! 📩 Interested? Comment below or DM me to receive a copy straight to your inbox. #HRUpdates #Budget2024 #PeopleStrategy #EmployeeEngagement #HRConsulting

🚨 OFLC Budget Increase: Time to Deliver on Processing Efficiency 🚨 🛠️ In FY 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC) received a significant 24% budget increase, raising its allocation from $60.528 million in FY 2023 to $75.044 million. 👥 This increase also brought an additional 50 full-time employees, bringing the total to 244 FTEs—a clear investment aimed at improving the processing times for prevailing wage determinations and PERM applications. ⏳ The Urgent Need: ⚠️ Despite these investments, processing times have worsened rather than improved. 🏢 Employers who are unable to find enough U.S. workers depend heavily on the OFLC’s efficiency to function properly in today’s economy. 🚫 Delays in prevailing wage determinations and PERM certifications can cripple businesses, slow down growth, and leave critical positions unfilled. 💡 It’s Time for Action: 💪 With the additional funding and staffing now in place, it is crucial that the OFLC leverages these resources effectively to: ✅ Streamline Processes: Implement more efficient workflows to reduce backlogs and accelerate processing times. 🤝 Support U.S. Employers: Ensure that the prevailing wage and PERM processes are responsive to the needs of employers striving to meet their labor demands. 📈 Strengthen the Economy: By improving these processes, the OFLC can help businesses remain competitive and contribute to the broader economic health. 🚀 The increased resources provide a strong foundation—now it’s time to see real results. 🛠️ U.S. employers are counting on the OFLC to deliver. #LaborCertification #OFLC #ForeignLabor #Immigration #USWorkforce #Budget2024 #HR #TalentAcquisition