EP 412 - How far should UK employers go when it comes to looking after staff?In this episode we break down the real cost of being a “nice” employer - from UK statutory sick pay (SSP) and full sick pay policies to employee benefits, pensions, flexible working, and permanent health insurance (PHI).With major UK employment law changes coming, SMEs face difficult trade-offs:Is full sick pay worth the payroll cost?Does unlimited holiday actually work?Can generous benefits create legal risk?Are employers responsible for employees’ long-term wellbeing?Featuring insights from Oury Clark's employment lawyer Jessica Bass and financial adviser Freddie Pattenden, this episode is a practical guide for SME founders, directors, and HR leaders navigating sick leave, compliance, retention, and post-COVID workplace expectations.If you run a UK business and want to balance competitiveness, fairness, and sustainability - this one’s for you.*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*Spotify Video Chapters:00:00 Caring Without Going Broke00:57 Meet the Experts01:27 What Staff Really Want03:38 Compliance Value Competition05:28 PHI Income Protection Debate11:22 Post Covid Flex and Mental Health15:36 Legal Minimums Sick Pay Changes21:54 Morality Consistency and Flex26:15 Being Nice Can Backfire29:10 Structuring Benefits and Contracts32:09 Unlimited Holiday Pitfalls32:51 Unlimited holiday pitfalls34:50 Perks arms race37:07 SMEs vs big firms38:35 Pension basics explained39:43 Qualifying earnings trap42:41 Pensions and retention47:17 Salary sacrifice demystified54:43 Self employed pension gap55:06 Death in service cover57:15 Private healthcare reality59:19 Tailoring PMI benefits01:03:00 Managing premium increases01:04:43 Virtual GP and AI support01:06:16 Avoiding Benefit Red Herrings01:08:14 Flexible Benefits Allowance01:11:20 Renewals and Underwriting Traps01:13:47 Flexible Working Rights01:15:33 Office Returns and Discrimination01:19:49 Mental Health Boundaries01:21:46 Best Benefits and Compliance01:27:10 Business or BS Quiz01:27:55 Maternity and Paternity Debate01:34:28 Wellbeing Apps and Final WrapWatch and subscribe to us on YouTubeFollow us:InstagramTikTokLinkedinTwitterFacebook

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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