HR Assistant (Employee Relations)

Platform Housing Group; Metropolitan Borough of Solihull; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading housing and support organization is looking for an Employee Relations Assistant on a fixed-term maternity cover basis until October 2026. This home-based role requires regular travel to offices in Birmingham and Worcester. The successful candidate will provide HR support, assist with employee relations casework, and maintain accurate records. The position offers benefits such as up to 28 days of annual leave, a health cash plan, and a pension scheme.

Benefits

28 days annual leave

Family-friendly policies

Medicash membership

Health Cash Plan

Pension scheme

Employee rewards and recognition

Salary sacrifice electric vehicle scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in an HR support role with exposure to employee relations casework.
• Experience coordinating meetings and managing documentation.
• Proficient with HRIS systems to manage colleague data.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact providing accurate and timely advice.
• Assist managers with absence meetings and family leave requests.
• Maintain employee records in line with the payroll cycle.

Skills

HR support experience

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Attention to detail

Experience with HRIS systems

Time-management skills

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

Employee Relations Assistant – Fixed Term Maternity Cover

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced HR & Employee Relations Assistant to join our fabulous team on a fixed‑term basis until 31 October 2026 to support the delivery of a first‑class Employee Relations service.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact providing accurate and timely advice to managers and colleagues.
• Ensure compliance with legal requirements and best practice, escalating more complex issues to the ER Specialists.
• Assist managers with stage one absence meetings, family leave and flexible working requests and probation reviews.
• Support the Employment Relations Specialist with complex ER investigations, note‑taking and preparation of materials.
• Accurately maintain employee records and associated correspondence in line with the payroll cycle.
• Review weekly HR management information reports (e.g. absence) and collaborate with the ER Specialist where action is needed.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Previous experience in an HR support role with exposure to employee relations casework.
• Experience coordinating meetings, managing documentation and providing administrative assistance (note‑taking, outcome letters).
• Experience working with HRIS systems to manage colleague data and employment records (iTrent advantage).
• Excellent ICT skills (Word, Excel) with high levels of attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proactive, adaptable approach with strong prioritisation and time‑management skills in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience maintaining employee records and completing contractual changes in line with payroll deadlines.

Location & Travel

This role is home‑based but requires regular travel to the Group offices at Birmingham Business Park, Solihull, and Central Park, Worcester.

Benefits

• Up to 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with the opportunity to buy and sell leave.
• Family‑friendly policies and learning and development opportunities.
• Medicash membership with employee assistance programme, gym discounts and exclusive offers.
• Health Cash Plan worth up to £1,700 per annum with cashback for dental, optical, physio and complementary therapies.
• Pension scheme with minimum employee contributions of 3% and company contribution up to 12%.
• Employee reward and recognition scheme with wellbeing hub and retailer discounts.
• Salary sacrifice electric vehicle scheme.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities.