Employee Relations
Navigate complex people issues safely.
Employee relations can be a minefield. We provide reliable, up-to-date guidance on investigations, disciplinaries, grievances, performance improvement plans, absence reviews, and appeals.
Practical employee relations for independent businesses
We start by understanding what is happening in your business, what outcome you need and where the immediate risks or pressures sit. You receive plain-English recommendations and a clear route forward—not generic advice or unnecessary process.
How we work
Direct, practical support
We are open to working with any business. Hospitality, construction, automotive, care and transport teams often value our direct, to-the-point approach because we give clear advice and have their back when a people issue gets difficult.
What's included
- Step-by-step guidance on complex cases
- Risk mitigation and tribunal prevention
- Support with formal meetings and correspondence
- Commercial approach to dispute resolution
How our support works
Establish the facts
We separate evidence, assumptions and immediate risks before recommending next steps.
Choose a fair process
We set out the appropriate route, communications, records and decision points.
Support the outcome
We help with meetings, correspondence and follow-through while keeping the process proportionate.
When businesses usually call us
- A disciplinary, grievance or investigation needs a fair, documented process.
- An absence or performance issue is becoming difficult to manage.
- A business needs calm support before making a high-risk decision.
Anonymised example from our work
Helping a hospitality employer resolve a long-running issue
We supported a hospitality employer through the successful exit of an employee who had historically caused problems for the business. The focus was a fair, documented process with clear advice at each stage, helping the employer reach an outcome while reducing procedural and legal risk.
Every case depends on its facts; this example does not guarantee a particular outcome.
Your consultant
Direct access to Sam Dickinson
Sam is Indie People’s primary consultant and Managing Director. He gives direct, commercially aware HR support to independent businesses and reviews the company’s employer guidance for clarity and alignment with current UK official guidance.
Meet Sam DickinsonQuestions about employee relations
What is included in Employee Relations?
Employee relations can be a minefield. We provide reliable, up-to-date guidance on investigations, disciplinaries, grievances, performance improvement plans, absence reviews, and appeals. The exact scope is agreed with you before work starts, so responsibilities, timescales and any exclusions are clear.
Who is Employee Relations best for?
Employers handling a difficult, sensitive or high-risk people issue and looking for calm, practical guidance.
Can Indie People provide employee relations outside the North East?
Yes. Indie People is based in North East England and supports independent businesses across the UK through video, phone and secure digital tools, with on-site support agreed where appropriate.