Employee Relations Advisor - 6 Month Contract

UNIQLO is a leading brand of the Fast Retailing Group, one of the largest apparel retailers in the world. UNIQLO respects the individuality and lifestyle of all customers and takes pride in creating high quality, long-lasting, innovative clothing at an affordable price. While born in Japan, we now have more than 2,500 stores worldwide and are expanding fast across the UK and Europe – it’s never been a more exciting time to join us! 

We are excited to announce a newly created 6 month fixed-term role within the UK HR Team. The purpose of this role is to provide in-store HR Admins and Store Managers support with first-line employee relations queries. We know that managing employee relations cases can be challenging, and we are providing stores with a temporary resource to help them become trained and efficient in applying policy to basic ER cases independently of their designated HR Business Partner (HR BP).  

This is a senior, independent HR role, reporting to the UK Head of HR and is fixed term for 6 months from the employment start date. The working hours for the role are Monday to Friday, 9am until 5.30pm, with the opportunity for flexible hybrid working location and hours. As this is a store-focused role, there will be an expectation to be based in stores (which are nationwide) for part of each working week.  

The ER Advisor is responsible for: 

• Being the first port of call when opening an ER case (e.g. any lateness, sickness, conduct, performance cases, as well as grievances and long-term sickness) and to support stores with case through to completion (reviewing notes, letters, policy advice etc.) 

• Tracking and re-routing complex/ out of scope cases to relevant HRBP 

• Tracking all ER cases on a centralised sheet and use Power BI to spot ER-related trends and recommend store training based on issues identified 

• Introducing AI-based HR tools, which stores can use to support them with basic ER cases in future once the ER Advisor’s contract ends 

The types of cases this role will be responsible for will be as follows: 

• Lateness – from informal up to final written warning 

• Sickness – from informal up to final written warning 

• Hourly paid performance management cases up to final written warning 

• Flexible working requests and meetings / any basic T&C changes 

• Long-term sickness up to final formal review 

• Hourly paid employee grievances (excluding misconduct leading to disciplinary procedures, discrimination, illegal activities (including data protection breaches, harassment, violence. These will be re-routed to HRBP)  

• In-store probation management cases 

Skills & Attributes  

• Strong application and knowledge of basic employment law and HR best practices 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 

• Ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion and professionalism 

• Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills 

• Proficiency in HR software and Microsoft Office Suite 

• HR retail operational experience is essential  

• Empathetic: Ability to understand and address employee concerns with sensitivity. 

• Adaptable: Flexible approach and able to manage multiple priorities. 

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions 

• Approachable: Friendly and supportive, fostering a positive work environment. 

What we can offer you 

• 26 days of paid leave per holiday year (plus 8 bank holidays) 

• Staff discount 30% 

• Employee assistance programme 

• Private medical care 

• Private pension scheme 

• Paid Volunteer days – twice a year 

• Cycle to work scheme 

• Travel to work loan scheme 

UNIQLO is an inclusive employer and we welcome applications from all profiles, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities or background. 

We take data protection very seriously and understand the importance of protecting your privacy and Personal Information. For the recruitment process, you can find the applicable privacy policy on our site: https://www.fastretailing.com/eng/privacy/eurecruitment.html 

The UNIQLO job descriptions are not intended to be restrictive and are a guideline to the duties in this role. 

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