Employment issues in recent years and the amount of legislation surrounding the workplace has increased massively, making it harder than ever for both employees and employers to know exactly where they stand in legal terms.
Bill Lamplugh Consultant Solicitor and employment specialist covers 5 top tips that employers should be aware of:
1. Ensure that all your employees have been issued with up-to-date contracts of employment or have received Statements of their Terms and Conditions of Employment (including timely Notice of any Changes to their Terms and Conditions)
2. Diarise regular & timely Staff Appraisals (particularly on new employees with less than one year’s continuous service)
3. Review your Disciplinary, Grievance and Performance Procedures to ensure that they are up to date and comply with ACAS Statutory Code of Practice
4. Regularly review and update (where necessary) your Staff Handbook to ensure that it includes all relevant policies and procedures including those relating to:
a. Equal Opportunities;
b. Anti-discrimination, harassment and bullying;
c. Whistleblowing;
d. Health & Safety at work;
e. Substance misuse;
f. Stress;
g. Internet access including Social Media sites (ie Twitter, Facebook etc);
h. Day to Day work issues, such as dress codes, sickness absence procedures, holiday rules including any close-down days stipulated to be taken as holiday, Data Protection, use of mobile phones at work etc:
i. Maternity & Paternity leave;
j. Compassionate leave;
k. Flexible/Home working;
l. Retirement.
5.Review & Update Forms relating to e.g. expense claims, sickness certification, Holiday requests & flexible working.
If you are concerned about any of the points it is essential that you review with your solicitor.
