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Human Resources

Employee Relations Advisor

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Primary Secondary Post-16

An Employee Relations Advisor is a human resources (HR) professional who specialises in managing and improving relationships between a company and its employees. They are responsible for advising managers and staff on workplace policies, handling disputes or complaints, and ensuring the organisation complies with employment law. Key duties often include conducting investigations into grievances or disciplinary matters, supporting negotiations between employees and management, and helping to develop fair workplace practices. Strong communication, problem-solving, and knowledge of employment legislation are vital skills in this role. The job can be both challenging and rewarding, as it involves helping to create a positive work environment and resolving conflicts fairly.

Employee Relations Advisor

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Employee Relations Advisors in the UK typically earn between £28,000 and £45,000 per year, depending on experience and location.

Job Opportunities

There were over 3,000 advertised roles for Employee Relations Advisors and similar positions in the UK in 2023.

Industries

Employee Relations Advisors are employed across various sectors, including public services, healthcare, retail, and large private companies.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Employee Relations Case Manager

Works closely with managers and employees to resolve complex workplace issues, such as grievances and disciplinary cases, ensuring fair and consistent application of company policies.

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Workplace Mediation Specialist

Facilitates discussions between employees and managers to resolve conflicts and improve working relationships, often using mediation techniques to reach amicable solutions.

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Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer

Focuses on promoting a fair and inclusive workplace by developing and implementing policies to prevent discrimination and support diverse employee needs.

Gain Relevant Qualifications

Achieve GCSEs and A levels

Complete your GCSEs, focusing on subjects like English and Business Studies. Progress to A levels or equivalent qualifications.

Strong GCSE grades, especially in English and Business Studies, will support your future HR studies. After GCSEs, consider A levels in subjects such as Business, Psychology, or Law, which provide a foundation for understanding workplace behaviour and legal contexts.

Obtain a Degree or HR Qualification

Pursue a university degree in Human Resources, Business Management, or a related field. Alternatively, complete a relevant apprenticeship or CIPD qualification.

Many Employee Relations Advisors have a degree in HR, Business, or Law. You can also take a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualification or an HR apprenticeship. These courses cover employment law, workplace policies, and conflict resolution.

Build Practical Experience

Gain Entry-Level HR Experience

Start in an entry-level HR position, such as HR Assistant or HR Administrator, to learn workplace processes and people management.

Early HR roles help you understand the day-to-day responsibilities of managing staff issues, maintaining records, and following employment law. These positions provide valuable exposure to policies and procedures that underpin employee relations.

Develop Knowledge of Employment Law

Familiarise yourself with UK employment law, workplace policies, and best practice guidance.

Employee Relations Advisors must have a solid understanding of employment legislation and organisational policies. Attending training sessions, CIPD seminars, and reading current employment law updates are key ways to stay informed.

Specialise in Employee Relations

Move into an Employee Relations Role

Apply for Employee Relations Advisor positions or specialist HR roles focused on staff issues and workplace relations.

Look for vacancies within your organisation or externally that emphasise grievance handling, conflict resolution, investigations, and supporting managers. Tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience and knowledge.

Continue Professional Development

Take advanced CIPD modules and attend workshops to expand your expertise in employee relations.

Continuous learning is vital in HR. Advanced courses and professional membership (such as Associate or Chartered CIPD status) help demonstrate your commitment to the field. Workshops, webinars, and networking with other HR professionals will also enhance your skills and knowledge.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Employee Relations Advisor. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

An Employee Relations Advisor and a Human Resources Officer both focus on managing staff relations, ensuring effective communication between employees and management, and supporting organisational policies. They share similar qualifications related to employment law, conflict resolution, and employee engagement.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • specialist courses run by professional bodies

University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in any subject. You could then apply for a graduate human resources (HR) training scheme.

You may have an advantage if you study for an HR related subject like:

  • human resources management
  • business management and human resources
  • psychology

If you already have a degree, you could do a postgraduate qualification in human resource management, though this is not essential.

Graduate jobs

You can find graduate HR opportunities with:

  • small and medium sized private sector companies in most industries
  • large multi-national companies
  • charities and education organisations
  • public sector employers like the NHS and Civil Service

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

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College

You can study for human resources qualifications at college, such as the Foundation Certificate in People Practice, offered by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Courses like these are aimed at helping people to get some of the knowledge and skills needed to find their first job and get started in the profession.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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Apprenticeship

You may be able to apply for an apprenticeship, for example:

  • HR Support Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • People Professional Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

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Work

You could start as a human resources assistant or a business administrator in a company's HR department and work your way up through training and promotion.

Other Routes

You can study a range of professional qualifications in human resources, either online or at a training centre approved by the CIPD.

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Career tips

Take a look at the CIPD Profession Map to find out more about the values, knowledge and behaviours needed by HR officers.

Further information

You can learn about a career in human resources from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development and Personnel Today.

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