Back to basics - don't neglect Employment Contracts

By KMC Human Resources

13 Nov 2017

When it comes to employing staff, having contracts of employment in place is a fairly rudimentary process. Or so you might think...

Despite the increasingly litigious nature of the workplace, many companies remain relatively relaxed about issuing and keeping record of signed employment contracts.

We're frequently surprised how many businesses we come across that either haven't issued contracts to members of staff, or else haven't been thorough in collecting these back and placing them on file – a process that we recommend is completed within the first 4 weeks of employment.

Aside from having a procedure for ensuring employment contracts are issued and signed, here are some other key considerations surrounding contracts of employment. Whilst you may have a standardised contract, it's highly unlikely that the specific terms will be applicable to each person you employ. You should see that the type of employment contract you issue is relevant to that person's job role and rank within the company. Should you wind up in an employment tribunal for any reason, the employment contract will be one piece of evidence the Judge will consider - and the contents of the contract will only be enforceable should they be deemed relevant to the individual’s role and level of responsibility. Alongside contracts of employment, having an up to date Staff Handbook is also really important. This should be a detailed document that covers all aspects of working for your company – from lunch breaks to sickness policies, all the way through to misconduct issues and disciplinary procedures. Employees should all be encouraged to read the Staff Handbook and this document (be it in digital or printed format) should be in an easily accessible location at all times. Another key aspect relating to employment contracts that is so often missed by employers is the need to update them as staff climb the ladder in an organisation. A member of the senior management team needs different consideration to a junior team member – especially so far as notice periods and restrictive covenants are concerned. Every time a member of staff receives a significant promotion, their contract should be reviewed, with a new one issued where appropriate. This process is just as important as the issuing of contracts in the first place - especially if access to sensitive business information comes with more senior roles in your business. Contracts of employment are key to protecting both parties in the employment relationship so spending the time to get appropriate paperwork in place and on record really is fundamental. This is especially the case now employment tribunal claims can once again be lodged by employees free of charge. The choice between allocating a relatively small amount of time and budget to do a thorough review of employment contracts vs risking the stress, negative PR and potential cost of being taken to an employment tribunal, is an easy one in our book.

Latest news

1

Healthier homes on the horizon thanks to business team-up Deyrick Allen, Niamh Allen, Derek Horrocks and Tom Allen

Healthier homes on the horizon thanks to business team-up

04 Nov 2024

2

Cruise retailer’s US office hits $3m sales in four months James Cole CEO Panache Cruises

Cruise retailer’s US office hits $3m sales in four months

04 Nov 2024

3

Sanderson Weatherall appointed to manage Preston's £45m+ Animate leisure complex The handover for the Animate leisure complex

Sanderson Weatherall appointed to manage Preston's £45m+ Animate leisure complex

01 Nov 2024

4

Beer company created to raise awareness of bowel cancer and funds for charity Imogen-Rose Gregory

Beer company created to raise awareness of bowel cancer and funds for charity

01 Nov 2024

5

Demolition to start on conference centre and former Lancashire College site in Chorley Woodlands building

Demolition to start on conference centre and former Lancashire College site in Chorley

01 Nov 2024

PC PrestonMacan GIF980x120
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
The Lancashire Festival of Business
FOB 315
Exhibitions
30 Jan 2025

The Lancashire Festival of Business

Impact Conferencing, Burnley, BB12 6QP

09:00 - 16:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
11 Jun 2024 - 04 Dec 2024

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 16:30

Skills Bootcamp in Procurement - Cohort 2
Blue-Modern-Land-Travel-Youtube-Thumbnail-2-1024x576.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
15 Oct 2024 - 17 Dec 2024

Skills Bootcamp in Procurement - Cohort 2

Community & Business Partners CIC, Blackburn, BB2 3UA

09:30 - 13:00

Bridging The Gap: Connecting business and developers
Nov Preston Tech Connection event banner-2.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
06 Nov 2024 - 06 Nov 2024

Bridging The Gap: Connecting business and developers

Society1 Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Why Trade Internationally?
Chamber Logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
06 Nov 2024 - 06 Nov 2024

Why Trade Internationally?

Lune Brew Co. Unit 2, Galgate Mill, Ind Est, Chapel Ln, Galgate, Lancaster, LA2 0PR

08:00 - 11:00

mBITfor transformative leadership and coaching
mBIT coach Practitioner.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Nov 2024 - 17 Nov 2024

mBITfor transformative leadership and coaching

Unlocking Possibilities training venue, 166 Waterloo Road , Blackpool, FY4 2AF

09:00 - 17:00

Avidly Activates UK 2024 - Activate your customer-driven sales and marketing
avidly activates audience having a good time.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
14 Nov 2024

Avidly Activates UK 2024 - Activate your customer-driven sales and marketing

Everyman Cinema, Holmes Mill, Clitheroe, BB7 1EB

10:00 - 16:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (14).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
14 Nov 2024 - 14 Nov 2024

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:15

North West HR Employers Forum
CBP-logo LBV.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
20 Nov 2024 - 20 Nov 2024

North West HR Employers Forum

Wham Stadium, Accrington Stanley, Livingstone Road, Accrington, BB5 5BX

09:00 - 12:00

LBV119 Magazine Launch Event
DSC9389
Networking
20 Nov 2024

LBV119 Magazine Launch Event

Stonyhurst College, Clitheroe, BB7 9PT

16:00 - 18:00

Live Work Create: Building Community In The Modern World
Live-Work-Create-Building-Community-1024x1024.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
20 Nov 2024

Live Work Create: Building Community In The Modern World

Society1 Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 20:00

Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone Quiz Returns for 10th Year!
Quiz Pic.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Fundraisers
21 Nov 2024 - 21 Nov 2024

Blackburn & Darwen Youth Zone Quiz Returns for 10th Year!

Accrington Stanley Football Club, Accrington, BB5 5BX

17:00 - 20:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV118 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin