Contracts and Handbooks Made Simple | advice for small businesses
When employment issues arise, robust contracts and carefully crafted employee handbooks are employers’ first line of defence.
Despite this, many small businesses still don’t have the necessary documents in place, or are relying on documents that are poorly drafted or out of date. This can be a costly mistake to make.
Join WorkNest’s Employment Law experts for an essential overview of contracts and handbooks, including why every employer needs them, what the law requires, and how to avoid common pitfalls that could leave your business exposed.
25 February, 2.00 pm - 3.00 pm
Hosts: WorkNest's Debra Battistini, Senior Employment Law Adviser and Solicitor, and Alex Holmes, Employment Law Adviser and Solicitor
What's on the agenda?
As a small business, you may think you can get away with not having formalised employment contracts or an employee handbook. After all, everyone gets along and any disagreements can be ironed out easily, right?
The reality is that when it comes to your workforce, it’s impossible to predict what might occur. When disputes inevitably arise, these documents become invaluable – protecting your position and enabling you to demonstrate that you followed standard policies and treated everyone equally. This is even more crucial as your business grows.
And it’s not just good practice – it’s also a legal obligation. By law, workers and employees have the right to a written contract or a statement outlining key job details. As of April 2020, employers must provide this basic information in writing on or before the employee/worker’s first day of work.
With significant changes to employment law recently and more reforms on the horizon, now is the time to get your contracts and handbooks in order to ensure your business remains compliant and able to manage issues confidently.
What you'll learn
Specifically geared towards small businesses, this session will cover:
- Why have them: When employee or worker relations disputes arise, the impact on small businesses – both in terms of time and money – can be much more onerous. Learn how having clear contracts and handbooks in place early can save you from costly legal issues later down the line.
- Legal necessities: Small businesses may assume they’re exempt from certain regulations, but when it comes to employment contracts, this isn’t the case. Understand what employers must provide, and when, to stay compliant with employment law.
- Best practice: In today’s economic climate, every penny counts. Discover key provisions that, while not legally required, can help to protect your business from a commercial perspective.
- Benefits of having a handbook: While not a legal requirement, employee handbooks can be ‘legally persuasive’. Find out what makes an effective handbook and how having one can benefit your business.
- Common pitfalls: Small businesses often fall into common traps that can lead to confusion, complications, or legal issues. Learn how to avoid key mistakes such as having multiple separate or contradictory policies.
- FAQs: What’s the difference between a handbook and a policy? What are contractual versus non-contractual handbooks? And why does the tone of your handbook matter? Get answers to the common queries our team receive daily.
Got a question for our hosts?
Submit it via the registration form – we’ll aim to answer as many as possible at the end of the session.
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