posted 7th August 2025
HR & Legal Support for Micro Businesses in the UK: Everything You Need to Know
Micro businesses are the engine of the UK economy — agile, innovative, and deeply rooted in local communities.
However, with fewer than 10 employees, most micro businesses face serious challenges regarding HR compliance and legal protection.
At Meridian Legal Services, we specialise in providing affordable HR and legal support for micro businesses — ensuring you're compliant, protected, and set up to thrive.
What Is a Micro Business?
A micro business is officially defined in the UK as an organisation with:
- Fewer than 10 employees.
- A turnover or balance sheet total under £2 million.
You might be a sole trader, family-run firm, or startup — but if you fit that description, your business falls into the "micro" category. Over 95% of UK businesses are micro businesses, which shows how vital this segment is to the economy.
Despite their size, micro businesses face the same legal risks as larger companies, but they lack the in-house resources to handle them. That's where we come in.
Why HR and Legal Support Is Critical for Micro Businesses
Here's the truth: UK employment law is complex and ever-changing. Micro business owners often try to manage HR tasks themselves, but without the proper guidance, mistakes are inevitable — and costly.
Here are just a few risks:
- Non-compliant employment contracts.
- Improper handling of grievances or disciplinaries.
- Failure to follow redundancy or dismissal procedures.
- GDPR breaches.
- Tribunal claims from former employees.
These issues don't just threaten your finances — they affect your reputation and your time.
How Meridian Legal Services Supports Micro Businesses
We offer specialist legal and HR support tailored for small and micro businesses across the UK. Whether you need help with contracts, staff issues, or legal compliance, we're here to make things simple, affordable, and stress-free.
1. Employment Contracts and Staff Policies
- We draft and review:
- Compliant employment contracts
- Zero-hours or freelance agreements
- Employee handbooks and key HR policies
You get watertight documentation that protects you and your staff, reducing the risk of disputes.
2. Day-to-Day HR Advice
From dealing with lateness to managing performance or sickness absence, we offer practical HR advice that's easy to implement. We don't overcomplicate — we give you clear, commercial solutions.
Popular services include:
- Disciplinary and grievance support.
- Sickness and absence management.
- Redundancy process guidance.
- Flexible working requests.
3. Employment Law Compliance
Stay on the right side of UK employment law with:
- GDPR compliance support.
- Health and safety policies.
- Legal updates and alerts on new legislation.
- We'll ensure you're not caught out by changes in the law or outdated practices.
4. Employment Dispute Resolution
If a dispute does arise, we'll support you through:
- ACAS Early Conciliation.
- Settlement negotiations.
- Employment tribunal representation.
Our goal is always to resolve issues swiftly and with minimum disruption to your business.
5. Outsourced HR Support Plans
No HR department? No problem.
We offer outsourced HR services for micro businesses, including:
- On-demand HR advice.
- Contract and policy reviews.
- Ongoing legal compliance.
- Monthly or pay-as-you-go plans.
You get expert HR and legal support without the cost of hiring in-house.
Why Choose Meridian Legal Services?
At Meridian Legal Services, we understand the needs of small and micro businesses because we're one of them, too.
- We speak in plain English, not legal jargon.
- We offer flexible pricing, including fixed fees and retainers.
- We're trusted by micro businesses across the UK.
- Our advice is practical, commercial, and legally sound.
Let Us Take the HR & Legal Pressure Off You
If you're a micro business owner looking for reliable, affordable support with employment law, HR, or legal compliance.
We'll help you:
- Stay compliant
- Reduce risk
- Save time
- Focus on growing your business
Contact us for a free evaluation and let us create a bespoke package centred around your specific needs.
