A-Z HR Glossary

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HR Glossary: Key Terms Explained

HR and Health & Safety is full of jargon and legal terminology that can be hard to keep up with. This glossary is here to cut through the noise. Click on a term to see what it really means, along with links to trusted external sources and to useful resources on the impact HR website that show how it applies in practice.

  • Absence Management Right arrow

    Learn what absence management means in HR, why it matters for UK employers, and how to implement best practice policies. Practical advice and support from Impact HR.

    More info on Absence Management
  • ACAS Code of Practice Right arrow

    Learn what the ACAS Code of Practice means in HR, how it affects UK businesses, and what employers must do to stay compliant. Expert advice from Impact HR.

    More info on ACAS Code of Practice
  • Accident Investigation Right arrow

    Learn what accident investigation means in UK Health & Safety, why it matters for employers, and how to carry it out effectively

    More info on Accident Investigation
  • Annual Leave Entitlement Right arrow

    Learn what annual leave entitlement means in the UK, how much paid time off employees are legally entitled to, and how employers should manage leave policies. Guidance from Impact HR.

    More info on Annual Leave Entitlement
  • Asbestos Management Right arrow

    Discover what asbestos management means in UK Health & Safety, the legal duties for employers, and how to stay compliant with asbestos regulations. Practical guidance from Impact HR.

    More info on Asbestos Management
  • Bank Holidays Right arrow

    Understand the difference between UK bank holidays and public holidays. Learn what they mean for employers, the legal position on paid leave, and key dates for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

    More info on Bank Holidays
  • Bradford Factor Right arrow

    A complete UK employer guide to the Bradford Factor—how to calculate it, what scores mean, best practices, legal risks, alternatives, and how to manage absence fairly and effectively.

    More info on Bradford Factor
  • CDM Duty Holders Right arrow

    Learn who the CDM duty holders are under UK Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, their responsibilities, and what employers must do to stay compliant.

    More info on CDM Duty Holders
  • CDM Regulations Right arrow

    Understand the UK Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM Regulations). Learn who they apply to, the duties involved, and how to keep your business compliant. Practical H&S advice from Impact HR.

    More info on CDM Regulations
  • Compassionate Leave Right arrow

    Compassionate leave explained: what it means in UK employment law, how long employees can take off, and what best practice looks like. HR support and policy guidance from Impact HR.

    More info on Compassionate Leave
  • Contractor Management Right arrow

    Learn what contractor management means in UK health & safety, why it matters, and how businesses can stay compliant when using contractors. Practical guidance from Impact HR.

    More info on Contractor Management
  • COSHH Right arrow

    COSHH refers to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, the cornerstone of UK law that protects employees from exposure to harmful substances at work.

    More info on COSHH
  • Data subject access request (DSAR) Right arrow

    A data subject access request (DSAR) is a formal legal right that allows an individual to ask an organisation to confirm whether it holds personal data about them

    More info on Data subject access request (DSAR)
  • Disciplinary Right arrow

    Learn what disciplinary action is in HR, the process employers must follow, possible sanctions, and the risks of mishandling cases. Expert HR support from Impact HR for UK businesses.

    More info on Disciplinary
  • Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Right arrow

    Learn what Display Screen Equipment (DSE) means in UK Health & Safety, employer legal duties under the DSE Regulations, and best practices for managing workstation risks. Practical HR support from Impact HR.

    More info on Display Screen Equipment (DSE)
  • Employee Handbook Right arrow

    Learn what an employee handbook is, why UK employers need one, and what policies to include. Discover how handbooks support compliance, consistency, and culture with Impact HR.

    More info on Employee Handbook
  • Employee Relations Right arrow

    Discover what employee relations means in HR, why it matters for UK employers, and how to manage it effectively. Practical guidance and best practice tips from Impact HR.

    More info on Employee Relations
  • Employment Law Right arrow

    Understand UK Employment Law and its key legislation, including contracts, pay, equality, health & safety, dismissal, and upcoming reforms such as the Employment Rights Bill. Expert HR support from Impact HR.

    More info on Employment Law
  • Employment Rights Bill Right arrow

    The Employment Rights Bill introduces major reforms to UK workplace law. Learn what the Bill means, how it affects HR, and the steps your business should take to stay compliant. Expert guidance from Impact HR.

    More info on Employment Rights Bill
  • Employment Tribunals Right arrow

    What are Employment Tribunals and why do they matter? Learn the process, landmark cases, and practical strategies to prevent claims — with expert HR guidance from Impact HR.

    More info on Employment Tribunals
  • Equality Act 2010 Right arrow

    Understand the Equality Act 2010, what it means for UK employers, and how to stay compliant. Learn about protected characteristics, legal duties, and HR best practice with Impact HR.

    More info on Equality Act 2010
  • Family Friendly Policies Right arrow

    Discover what family friendly policies mean in UK employment law, the statutory rights available, and how SMEs can build a supportive, inclusive workplace. Practical HR advice from Impact HR.

    More info on Family Friendly Policies
  • Fire Marshal Right arrow

    Learn what a Fire Marshal does in the workplace, UK legal requirements for fire safety, and best practices for employers. Expert HR and health & safety guidance from Impact HR.

    More info on Fire Marshal
  • Fire Safety Training Right arrow

    Understand fire safety training requirements for UK employers, what it involves, and why it’s essential for compliance and employee safety. Expert HR and health & safety advice from Impact HR.

    More info on Fire Safety Training
  • First Aiders Right arrow

    Learn what First Aiders are, why they matter in UK workplaces, and how many your business needs. Practical guidance from Impact HR on compliance, training, and best practice.

    More info on First Aiders
  • Flexible Working Right arrow

    Discover what flexible working means, the legal rights of UK employees, and how employers can manage requests effectively. Expert HR guidance and practical tips from Impact HR.

    More info on Flexible Working
  • Garden Leave Right arrow

    Learn what Garden Leave means in UK employment law, how it affects businesses, and what employers must consider when placing an employee on leave.

    More info on Garden Leave
  • Grievance Right arrow

    Learn what a grievance is in the workplace, how the grievance process works, what outcomes are possible, and the risks of mishandling complaints.

    More info on Grievance
  • Health and Safety at Work Act Right arrow

    Discover what the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 means for UK employers. Learn your responsibilities, penalties for non-compliance, and how to build a safer workplace with Impact HR.

    More info on Health and Safety at Work Act
  • Health and Safety for SMEs Right arrow

    Health and Safety for SMEs is essential to protect staff, customers, and your business. Learn UK legal requirements, best practices, and how Impact HR helps small businesses stay compliant with affordable H&S support.

    More info on Health and Safety for SMEs
  • HR Consultant Right arrow

    Learn what an HR consultant does, why SMEs use them, and how they provide expert HR advice, compliance support, and workforce strategies. Practical insights from Impact HR.

    More info on HR Consultant
  • HR Consulting Right arrow

    Discover what HR Consulting means, how consultants support UK businesses, and why SMEs benefit from expert HR advice. Practical guidance and expert support from Impact HR.

    More info on HR Consulting
  • HR for SMEs Right arrow

    HR for SMEs explained: discover why HR is vital for small businesses, the biggest challenges SMEs face, and how outsourcing HR helps owners stay compliant, reduce risk, and focus on growth. Expert guidance from Impact HR.

    More info on HR for SMEs
  • HR Outsourcing Right arrow

    Learn what HR outsourcing means, the benefits and risks for UK employers, and what to consider when choosing a provider. Practical advice from Impact HR experts.

    More info on HR Outsourcing
  • Lone Working Right arrow

    Understand lone working in the UK, employer legal duties, risks, and best practices for managing employees who work alone. Practical HR and H&S guidance for SMEs from Impact HR.

    More info on Lone Working
  • Manual Handling Right arrow

    Understand what manual handling is, the legal duties for UK employers, and why safe lifting and handling matters in the workplace. Expanded guidance with examples, FAQs, and compliance tips from Impact HR.

    More info on Manual Handling
  • Maternity Leave Right arrow

    Understand maternity leave in the UK – employee rights, employer obligations, statutory entitlements, and best practice guidance for SMEs. Expert HR support from Impact HR.

    More info on Maternity Leave
  • National Living Wage Right arrow

    Understand the National Living Wage in the UK, how it differs from the National Minimum Wage, the current and forecast rates, and what employers must do to comply.

    More info on National Living Wage
  • National Minimum Wage Right arrow

    Understand the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage in the UK. Learn the current and forecast rates, employer obligations, common mistakes, and compliance tips.

    More info on National Minimum Wage
  • Parental Leave Right arrow

    Parental leave gives employees the right to take unpaid time off to care for a child. Learn what UK law says, employer obligations, and best practice HR support from Impact HR.

    More info on Parental Leave
  • Redundancy Right arrow

    Understand redundancy in UK law, including fair processes, consultation, redundancy pay, change management, and outplacement support. Expert HR guidance for SMEs from Impact HR.

    More info on Redundancy
  • Settlement Agreement Right arrow

    Learn what a Settlement Agreement is, when it should be used, and the legal rules for employers. Guidance for SMEs on managing exits, avoiding disputes, and handling negotiations fairly.

    More info on Settlement Agreement
  • TUPE Right arrow

    Learn what TUPE means in HR, when it applies, and what UK employers must do to stay compliant.

    More info on TUPE
  • Working Time Directive Right arrow

    Learn about the Working Time Directive covering maximum working hours, rest breaks, annual leave, night work rules, and opt-outs.

    More info on Working Time Directive
  • Zero Hour Contracts Right arrow

    What are zero hour contracts? Discover what they mean for UK employers, the risks and benefits, and how to manage them legally and fairly.

    More info on Zero Hour Contracts

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