Back to basics.....

Understandably, over the past 18 months, employers have been concentrating on how to keep their businesses afloat. This has meant that in some cases, the fundamentals have slipped down the priority list. But with the country emerging from recession, it is now time for a spring clean to ensure that contracts of employment, procedures and policies are up-to-date.

• A Tribunal will award up to 4 weeks’ gross pay where an employee has not been given a written statement of their main terms of employment. This statement should contain or refer to disciplinary and grievance procedures and must be given within 2 months of employment starting.
• It is now over one year since the ACAS code of practice was introduced, placing an obligation on employers to carry out workplace investigations and hearings. Failure to comply could mean an extra 25% in compensation to the employee.
• If you have 5 or more employees, by law you must have a written health and safety policy and you must also record the details of risk assessments. These will require constant updating and consultation with your employees. A risk assessment should not be over-complicated and must be tailored to your individual business. A comprehensive health and safety policy will not only head off tribunal claims, but also avoid personal injury, maintain your reputation and keep the cost of your insurance down.
  

In order to ensure a reliable, effective workforce and avoid costly tribunal claims, you must ensure that your documentation is up-to-date. Ellis Jones has both Human Resource Specialists and Employment Lawyers who can provide a tailor made service. We are happy to visit you and provide a no-obligation quote. See our website www.ellisjones.co.uk or email employment@ellisjones.co.uk for further details.