Case Study: United Utilities boosts line manager capability and cuts HR costs with AdviserPlus

United Utilities - Customer Case Study

United Utilities, a FTSE 100 water and wastewater provider serving millions across the North West, was under pressure to improve service, maintain value for money, and support a major HR transformation. To make HR more efficient while strengthening frontline leadership, the company partnered with AdviserPlus to provide outsourced HR advice and guidance through its People Manager Support service.

AdviserPlus implemented a tailored, branded support model combining expert employee relations advice, coaching for line managers, case management, and user-friendly technology. The results included a 30% reduction in HR costs, an estimated £2.15 million in avoided salary and productivity costs from better sickness absence management, and only 1.7% of disciplinary, grievance and dismissal cases being successfully appealed. Manager capability also improved strongly, with 98% reporting increased confidence and knowledge in handling employee relations cases.

United Utilities

Sally Cabrini

Business Services Director