Not Another HRPodcast

Alastair Swindlehurst
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Not Another HR Podcast is a practical, no-nonsense podcast about the realities of HR, employment law, and running businesses with people in them. Hosted by HR consultant Alastair from EZHR and employment lawyer Rachel Rigg from Horsfield Menzies, the podcast explores the messy middle where employment law meets real workplaces. Each episode tackles the issues HR professionals, managers and business owners are dealing with right now — from new legislation and tribunal trends to workplace culture, grievances, investigations and the occasional completely unexpected problem. Rather than getting lost in legal theory, the focus is on what actually works in practice: how businesses are responding, where employers get caught out, and how HR teams can navigate the growing complexity of managing people. Expect honest conversations, practical insight, and the occasional rant about policies no one reads. If you work in HR, manage people, or run a business, this podcast is about figuring it out as we go along. (All discussions are opinions and general commentary, not legal advice.)

Episodes

  1. Jun 8

    Not Another HR Podcast - Stress, Tribunals & Business Survival: The Challenges Employers Are Facing Right Now

    This week on Not Another HR Podcast, Rachel and Alastair tackle the growing tension between supporting employees and managing businesses that are already under serious pressure. From occupational health frustrations and “reasonable adjustment” requests, to whether HR is becoming too bureaucratic, this episode dives into the messy reality employers are navigating right now. We discuss: Why employers are seeing a huge rise in stress, anxiety and ADHD-related workplace issuesThe growing challenge of employees refusing occupational health referrals or medical evidence requestsWhether HR teams are becoming too reactive — and why some businesses think getting rid of HR would solve their problemsThe difference between strategic HR and process-heavy bureaucracyWhy businesses are quietly struggling with rising costs, restructures and redundanciesHow managers can handle difficult conversations without making situations worseThe importance of early intervention, curiosity and practical problem-solvingWhy occupational health reports are only as good as the information you give themThe risks of avoiding performance management because of tribunal fearPlus: World Cup disruption planning, flexible working, football chaos and Scottish bank holidaysAs always, this episode is packed with practical HR and employment law insight, real workplace examples, and a healthy amount of sarcasm. This is general discussion only and not legal advice. If you need advice on a specific issue, seek professional support.       The growing complexity of workplace health and reasonable adjustments A major focus is how employers are increasingly dealing with employees raising issues related to ADHD, stress, anxiety, IBS, autism, and other conditions. The hosts discuss the challenge of balancing genuine support with practical business needs, especially when employees resist occupational health assessments or provide limited medical evidence.    The evolving role — and criticism — of HR The speakers react to claims that “getting rid of HR gets rid of HR problems.” They debate whether HR departments create bureaucracy or provide strategic value, arguing that effective HR should be commercially aware, flexible, and integrated into business decision-making rather than simply reactive or procedural.    Economic pressure and instability affecting businesses The conversation highlights financial strain on companies due to rising costs, National Insurance increases, energy prices, and post-COVID economic pressures. They discuss redundancies, administrations, restructures, and business owners looking for exits as signs of a difficult economic climate.    Managing employee relations proactively and pragmatically Across topics like disciplinary procedures, disability accommodations, tribunals, and even World Cup disruptions, the hosts repeatedly stress the importance of early intervention, clear communication, occupational health input, and practical management strategies rather than avoiding difficult conversations or becoming overly bureaucratic.

    39 min

  2. May 5

    Not Another HR Podcast #4 Tribunal Chaos, AI Grievances & Why HR Is Getting Harder

    In this episode of Not Another HR Podcast, Rachel Rigg (Horsfield Menzies) and Alastair Swindlehurst (EZHR) unpack the growing pressure facing employers as tribunals rise, grievances become more complex, and AI starts inserting itself into workplace disputes. From sexual harassment and ADHD-related claims to AI-generated grievances and six-year tribunal timelines, the conversation looks at what’s really happening behind the scenes in HR and employment law right now, and why so many employers feel like they’re constantly on the back foot. They explore: Why employment tribunal claims are increasing—and how long cases are now taking to reach a hearing  ✅ The rise in sexual harassment and ADHD-related workplace disputes  ✅ How AI-generated grievances, contracts, and “legal advice” are creating new risks for employers  ✅ Why performance management processes often fail before they even begin  ✅ The problem with overcomplicated appraisals, KPI overload, and managers avoiding difficult conversations  ✅ Practical ways businesses can track grievances, manage claims, and reduce legal risk before problems escalate  Along the way, there’s plenty of realism (and sarcasm) about settlement culture, pointless appraisal forms, managers avoiding awkward conversations, and the growing challenge of keeping workplace processes practical in an increasingly complicated legal landscape. As always, this episode is packed with practical insights—but it’s not legal advice. With tribunal backlogs growing and employment law continuing to evolve, employers are having to balance compliance, common sense, and damage limitation in real time. 📩 Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Get in touch: EZHR: info@ezhr.uk Horsfield Menzies: horsfieldmenzies.com 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more no-nonsense HR insights.

    41 min

  3. Apr 13

    Not Another HR Podcast #3

    In this episode of Not Another HR Podcast, Rachel Rigg (Horsfield Menzies) and Alastair Swindlehurst (EZHR) break down the latest developments in UK employment law—and what they actually mean for employers trying to keep up. From April’s annual rate increases (including National Minimum Wage, SSP, and redundancy caps) to the ever-evolving complexity of holiday pay, the conversation dives into the practical realities behind the headlines. They explore:  The real impact of updated Vento bands for discrimination claims  Why holiday pay compliance is still one of the biggest risks for employers  The upcoming Fair Work Agency—and why it could be a bigger deal than many realise  Changes to umbrella companies and tax liability  The growing complexity of managing casual workers and sick pay Early insights into potential restrictive covenant reformsAlong the way, there’s a healthy dose of realism (and sarcasm) about system gaming, policy gaps, and the challenges facing managers “in the wild.” As always, this episode is packed with practical insights—but remember, it’s not legal advice. With so much still evolving, this is very much a “watch this space” moment for HR and employment law. 📩 Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Get in touch: EZHR: info@ezhr.uk Horsfield Menzies: horsfieldmenzies.com 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more no-nonsense HR insights.

    42 min

  4. Mar 22

    NAHRP #2 The Compliance Wave (and How Not to Drown in It)

    April is bringing a wave of HR changes—and if you’re an employer, it can feel like you’re about to be hit by all of them at once. In this episode of Not Another HR Podcast, Alastair (Founder at EZHR) and Rachel (Senior Associate at Horsfield Menzies) break down what actually matters, what’s just noise, and where businesses should focus their time. From statutory sick pay changes and National Minimum Wage increases to flexible working updates, trade union rights, and the looming Fair Work Agency—this is your straight-talking guide to staying compliant without losing your mind. They also get into: Why most employers are overthinking policy updates The real risk behind “small tweaks” to employment law Whether the new youth employment incentives actually work Why homeworking risk assessments are back on the radar And how to talk to your SLT about all of this without causing panic As always—this is opinion, not advice. But it might just save you a headache (or a tribunal). 👉 Download the April HR Cheat Sheet: The EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS ACT CHEAT SHEET — EZHR | Making HR Really Easy

    59 min

  5. Mar 8

    Not Another HR podcast #1 HR Is About to Get Messy: The Impact of New Employment Laws & AI Grievances

    Welcome to Not Another HR Podcast – the podcast for HR people who want practical conversations, not textbook answers. In this episode, Alastair and Rachel talk through some of the big employment law changes coming down the line and what they actually mean for businesses trying to operate in the real world. From statutory sick pay changes and paternity rights, to sexual harassment laws, AI-generated grievances, and the explosion of DSARs, this episode looks at the messy reality of HR right now. Rather than focusing on technical legal theory, the conversation explores the practical challenges HR teams and managers are facing: -Managing short-term absence when sick pay rules change -Why sexual harassment laws are putting new obligations on employers -The unintended consequences of settlement agreement changes -The rise of ChatGPT-written grievances -Why more employees seem to be raising complaints -How employers can deal with long, complex grievances without losing their minds If you work in HR, leadership, or run a business, this episode is about what’s really happening on the ground — and how to deal with it.

    43 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

Not Another HR Podcast is a practical, no-nonsense podcast about the realities of HR, employment law, and running businesses with people in them. Hosted by HR consultant Alastair from EZHR and employment lawyer Rachel Rigg from Horsfield Menzies, the podcast explores the messy middle where employment law meets real workplaces. Each episode tackles the issues HR professionals, managers and business owners are dealing with right now — from new legislation and tribunal trends to workplace culture, grievances, investigations and the occasional completely unexpected problem. Rather than getting lost in legal theory, the focus is on what actually works in practice: how businesses are responding, where employers get caught out, and how HR teams can navigate the growing complexity of managing people. Expect honest conversations, practical insight, and the occasional rant about policies no one reads. If you work in HR, manage people, or run a business, this podcast is about figuring it out as we go along. (All discussions are opinions and general commentary, not legal advice.)

Information

  • Creator
    Alastair Swindlehurst
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Not Another HRPodcast
  • Show Website
    Not Another HRPodcast