At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide first-line HR advice and manage sickness absence cases.
- Company: Join a well-established organisation with a busy HR team.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of £14.32p/h and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in employee support while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in HR advisory roles and strong knowledge of employment law required.
- Other info: This is a 4-month temporary position based in Croydon.
A well-established organisation is seeking a confident and compassionate Employee Relations Advisor to join their busy HR team. This is a key role providing first-line HR advice and support to employees and managers, working closely with senior HR colleagues to deliver a proactive, responsive, and compliant HR service.
Our client is seeking individuals with strong experience in managing complex sickness absence cases within fast-paced and large environments. You should be confident handling a high-volume caseload and have a proven track record in coaching and training managers on absence management. This role requires flexibility to work both on-site and in the community, with a minimum on-site presence of four days per week.
Job type: 4-month temporary position
Location: Croydon
Salary: £14.32p/h
Hours: Full time
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as the first point of contact for HR and ER queries, offering timely, professional guidance
- Manage short- and long-term sickness absence cases from initial meeting through to resolution
- Lead on formal review processes, including preparation for hearings and liaison with occupational health providers
- Support line managers with fixed-term contract reviews, visa renewals, flexible working requests, and probation periods
- Advise on ill-health retirements, redeployments, and employment terminations where necessary
- Coach and support line managers through performance and conduct issues
- Ensure all ER case records and systems are up to date and compliant with legislation
- Assist in drafting and maintaining HR policies, templates, and guidance materials
- Support and occasionally deliver training sessions for line managers on key HR processes
- Contribute to data reporting, FOI requests, and employee wellbeing initiatives where needed
Skills, Experience, and Training Requirements:
- Proven experience in an employee relations or HR advisory role
- Strong working knowledge of employment law and HR best practices
- Able to manage sensitive and complex issues with professionalism and empathy
- Skilled in influencing and coaching managers at all levels
- Comfortable working independently and prioritising a busy workload
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
This is an excellent opportunity for a driven HR professional to work across a wide variety of ER matters, making a real difference in how people are supported at work. Apply now with your CV if you feel this will be the right role for you.
Employee Relations Advisor employer: Sammons Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Sammons Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employee Relations Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest employment laws and HR best practices. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed complex sickness absence cases. Being able to discuss these scenarios will showcase your expertise and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your coaching techniques by role-playing with a friend or colleague. This will help you articulate how you would support line managers through performance and conduct issues during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the organisation's culture and values, and think about how your personal values align with theirs. This will allow you to express why you're a great fit for their team during your discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Employee Relations Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in employee relations and HR advisory roles. Focus on your ability to manage complex sickness absence cases and your skills in coaching managers.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for HR and your understanding of the role. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully handled similar situations in the past.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your knowledge of employment law, your organisational skills, and your ability to communicate effectively. These are key attributes for the Employee Relations Advisor position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in HR roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sammons Recruitment Ltd
✨Showcase Your Empathy
As an Employee Relations Advisor, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to handle sensitive issues with compassion. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed complex sickness absence cases while showing understanding and support for employees.
✨Know Your Employment Law
Brush up on your knowledge of employment law and HR best practices before the interview. Be ready to discuss how you have applied this knowledge in previous roles, especially in relation to managing sickness absence and advising on ill-health retirements.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to coach managers. Think of specific situations where you had to influence or guide a manager through a challenging employee relations issue and be prepared to explain your approach.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Given the high-volume caseload mentioned in the job description, it's crucial to show that you can prioritise effectively. Discuss your methods for staying organised and managing multiple cases simultaneously, perhaps by sharing tools or techniques you use to keep track of your workload.