Some people don’t see the benefits of insurance until they need it and I think the same applies to contracts of employment. You would be surprised how many employers (including those with 100+ employees) don’t have contracts of employment in place – I still am every time I discover one!
“We’ve got a loyal workforce, I know them and we don’t need contracts”
Er, yes you do. As soon as an “issue” arises, the first thing to do is check what the contract says.
A well drafted contract should tell you:
- How long a probationary period is;
- Where you can ask them to work;
- What you can reasonable expect them to do;
- That you can make deductions from pay if you overpay them or they cause damage or loss to the company;
- That your information, property and IP is yours
- That they are not permitted to poach your clients and key employees;
- How much notice either party must give the other; and
- Their entitlements to pay, benefits and holidays.
Sort out your contracts now, rather than waiting until there is an issue that becomes a headache.
……..By the way, to answer a common misconception, you can issue new contracts to existing staff.
Contact Nickie by email at nickie@yourhrlawyer.co.uk or call 0115 870 0150
