In this episode of Not Another HR Podcast, HR consultant Alastair Swindlehurst and employment solicitor Rachel Rigg explore the biggest technology and AI pitfalls they're seeing businesses fall into every week.

From employees using ChatGPT with confidential company information to AI-generated grievances, meeting recordings, data protection, automated HR decisions and the latest changes under the Data (Use and Access) Act, this episode is packed with practical advice for employers who want to embrace AI without creating unnecessary legal risk.

Whether you're an HR professional, business owner or manager, this episode explains where organisations are getting it wrong—and what you should be doing instead. 

In this episode

•  Using ChatGPT and AI safely in the workplace 
•  Protecting confidential company information 
•  Why recording every Teams meeting could create problems 
•  Fireflies, Otter.ai and AI meeting notes 
•  AI-generated grievances and disciplinary responses 
•  Automated decision-making and employment law 
•  Data protection and GDPR considerations 
•  AI-generated images and workplace harassment 
•  The new right to complain under the Data (Use and Access) Act 
•  Practical policies every employer should introduce now 

If your business is using AI—or your employees already are—this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Please find the BBC article here  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-65202597?app-referrer=deep-link 

📩 Got a question or topic you want us to cover? Get in touch:

EZHR: info@ezhr.uk
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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 issues
• The growing challenge of employees refusing occupational health referrals or medical evidence requests
• Whether HR teams are becoming too reactive — and why some businesses think getting rid of HR would solve their problems
• The difference between strategic HR and process-heavy bureaucracy
• Why businesses are quietly struggling with rising costs, restructures and redundancies
• How managers can handle difficult conversations without making situations worse
• The importance of early intervention, curiosity and practical problem-solving
• Why occupational health reports are only as good as the information you give them
• The risks of avoiding performance management because of tribunal fear
• Plus: World Cup disruption planning, flexible working, football chaos and Scottish bank holidays

As 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.

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 reforms

Along 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.