One of the core basics I always recommend getting right is that every employer has a contract of employment that is fit for purpose as if the time ever comes when you need to rely on this then the last surprise you want is to hear that this isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.

 

The legal bare minimum that all employers have to do is issue a written statement of employment for all employees within 2 months of any employee starting work with you. A written statement sets out the very basic particulars such as working hours, salary, job title, pace of work etc….

A contract of employment is a more comprehensive document that more clearly sets out the obligations of both employer and employee in their working relationship and in reality I have always found a basic statement of employment simply not to be enough.

I am often surprised to find when I review documents for companies that a contract has not been drafted by a HR professional or employment solicitor but has been copies from previous contracts the Directors may have had in employment, or even worse downloaded free from the internet. Without knowing if your contract is legally compliant or enforceable you may be opening your business up to unnecessary risk.
 
I personally always offer for any business to review what they have in place but find out more about their business and get a feel for what a contract needs to protect or detail before deciding if what they have will do the job for them. I often find that companies do not have the legal rights they want, such as the option for short term working or temporary layoff or that there are no post termination restriction so employees that leave are free to poach staff and clients with no comeback.

If you really want to protect your business and the biggest asset (your staff) then take the time to get your contracts reviewed – you can take advantage of our free service to do this if you wish.

Don’t be misled by the perception that getting a valid contract of employment is an expensive exercise, we have basic contracts from £99 – customised contracts at £195 (+VAT) which is paid as a one off fee, you use the contracts as often as you like. At such a small investment you really can’t afford not to have a contract which suits your business.

For advice or any information on the above options please contact me on 0844 8797286.