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The Budget’s minimum wage announcement gives lower-paid workers a welcome increase in their hourly earnings. For employers in manufacturing, food production, warehousing, logistics and construction, it also raises a difficult question: how much more labour cost can the business absorb? From April 2027, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over will rise … Continue reading “Minimum wage rises: will agency labour protect your margins—or move the cost elsewhere?”

A business can have an accurate payroll and still have an incomplete understanding of its labour costs. It may know how many hours it paid for last week, yet struggle to explain why one job exceeded its budget, why overtime keeps returning in the same department, or whether a shortage of trained staff is restricting … Continue reading “Workforce management trends for 2027: from recording hours to protecting margin”

When a question arises about working hours, pay, absence or timekeeping, an organisation needs more than a confident recollection. It needs a clear record of what happened, how a decision was reached and whether the same approach was applied consistently. That is the practical value of defensibility. It is the ability to explain and support … Continue reading “Defensibility starts with the records you create every day”

If an employee queried their hours, overtime or a change to their shift pattern, how quickly could you establish what actually happened? From 1 October 2026, the time limit for bringing most Employment Tribunal claims will increase from three months to six months. That does not create a new requirement to keep every workforce record … Continue reading “Could You Prove What Happened Six Months Ago?”

The way employment rights are enforced in the UK is changing. Established in April 2026, the Fair Work Agency brings several previously separate enforcement functions into one organisation. Its responsibilities include National Minimum Wage enforcement, tackling labour exploitation and recovering unpaid wages, with its remit expected to expand progressively into areas covered by the Working … Continue reading “The Fair Work Agency: Why Accurate Working-Time Records Matter More Than Ever”

Workforce technology gives organisations unprecedented visibility over working time, attendance, access, absence and operational performance. Used correctly, it can improve payroll accuracy, reduce administration, control labour costs and help protect employees. Used without clear safeguards, however, the same technology can create legitimate concerns about privacy, fairness and excessive monitoring. Responsible workforce technology is not about … Continue reading “Responsible Workforce Technology: Better Information Without Losing Employee Trust”

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025—more commonly known as Martyn’s Law—will introduce new legal responsibilities for organisations responsible for certain publicly accessible premises and events. Named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena attack, the legislation aims to ensure businesses are better prepared to protect employees, … Continue reading “Why Corporate Businesses Must Start Preparing for Martyn’s Law”

Many ERP systems now include some form of Shop Floor Data Collection (SFDC). On the surface, this appears to give manufacturers everything they need: production quantities, labour time, machine status, scrap levels and completed works orders. However, collecting production transactions is not the same as providing the insight required for continuous improvement. ERP systems are … Continue reading “Why ERP Shop Floor Data Collection Falls Short of Continuous Improvement”

As workforce management requirements continue to evolve, many organisations are reviewing whether their existing Time & Attendance solution remains aligned with their operational, payroll, compliance, and workforce management objectives. If your organisation currently uses Mitrefinch TMS and is considering its future options, this guide provides a practical framework for assessing whether your current solution continues … Continue reading “Replacing Mitrefinch TMS: A Practical Guide for UK Employers”

Many organisations have relied on Kronos workforce management solutions for years, benefiting from robust time recording, scheduling, and workforce management capabilities. However, as technology, workforce expectations, and business requirements evolve, many employers are taking the opportunity to review whether their existing system continues to meet their operational needs and future objectives. If your organisation is … Continue reading “Replacing Legacy Kronos Systems: A Practical Guide for UK Employers”