HR Voice for SMEs

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Bringing the SME voice into employment law and workplace discussions

For over a decade, Jill Bottomley has brought the realities of employment law, workplace practice and people management in SMEs into national discussions on employment policy and legislative reform.

Through engagement with government departments, MPs, ministers and professional bodies, including the CIPD, she brings practical SME insight into conversations that shape employment law and workplace practice.

Jill is regularly invited to participate in national roundtables and policy discussions that inform thinking on employment law and workplace issues.

Policy and Professional Engagement

Jill contributes practical SME insight on employment law and workplace practice to national discussions, drawing on extensive experience supporting SME employers.

Her contribution includes engagement on issues such as:

  • Employment status and worker classification
  • The Employment Rights Act and wider employment law reform
  • The practical and commercial impact of employment law on SMEs
  • Workplace practice and people management in small and medium-sized businesses

This includes writing briefs, contributing to policy roundtables and consultation discussions on employment law and reform. She also engages with government and professional bodies to represent SME perspectives in practice, including as a member of the CIPD Employee Relations Advisory Group.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Jill provided SME insight on the furlough scheme, highlighting the need for greater flexibility in how policy operated in practice. Her feedback and proposals informed discussions that influenced the introduction of flexible furlough, enabling many SMEs to continue operating while protecting jobs.

Jill continues to contribute practical SME insight on employment law, workplace practice and people management to national discussions.

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Recognition and Commentary

Jill’s insight on SME employment issues is regularly sought by professional publications and industry discussions. Recent commentary includes contributions to:

People Management
Employment rights have not kept pace with workplace changes, minister says

HR Magazine
How workers’ rights reforms will impact HR priorities

Ensuring the practical realities of SMEs are represented in conversations shaping the future of work.