Skip to main content

Insight article

February 20, 2017

Employment Law Basics

The basics of what employers need to know and what they should be mindful of.

Always err on the side of caution, and when in doubt, consult a qualified lawyer before taking any action. See employment solicitor Karen Cole’s list of Employment law basics:

  1. Provide written employment contracts to all employees (tailor them to levels of seniority) and ensure your policies and procedures are contained in a staff handbook. Make sure both are regularly reviewed.
  2. Have a social media policy with clear guidelines regarding what you consider acceptable behaviour regarding usage and content. Make it clear that unacceptable use of social media (whether professional or personal) could result in disciplinary action.
  3. Proactively manage sickness absence. Keep detailed absence records and conduct return-to-work interviews after any period of absence. Consider whether the employee may be disabled.
  4. Keep up to date with changes in employment law. You can regularly check the Advisory, Conciliation & Arbitration Service (ACAS) website.
  5. Never hold a meeting with an employee (for whatever reason) without taking detailed conversation notes. Keep written records of any personnel matter.
  6. Ensure employee appraisals/reviews are carried out and that they are accurate. It is easy to avoid difficult conversations about poor performance, but this only creates problems down the line. A fair performance management procedure should be implemented, and should it become necessary, it will assist with dismissal procedures further down the line.
  7. Follow the ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures, again found on the ACAS website. Any compensatory award made against you by the Employment Tribunal could be increased by 25% if you do not.
  8. Understand what discrimination means and how to avoid it. Appreciate that this does not just apply to employees. Be aware of actions throughout the recruitment process and that you could be held responsible for the actions of third parties.
  9. Do not initiate a without prejudice discussion or protected conversation with any employee without taking legal advice first.
  10. Always seek legal advice if you are unsure. The right legal advice at the right time could prevent a hefty legal bill.

Call Karen Cole today to find out how the employment law basics apply to you.

Note: This is not legal advice; it provides information of general interest about current legal issues.

Stay in touch

Subscribe to our newsletter

Stay in touch

By completing your details and submitting this form you confirm you are happy for us to send you marketing communications and that you agree to our Website Privacy Policy and Legal Notice and to us using Mailchimp to process your data.


Sending

News/Insight

  • Why is clear contract drafting important?
    How simple contract clauses can protect your business.


    Read more
  • Ensuring equality: A legal guide to responsibilities and compliance
    Understanding equal opportunities in the workplace


    Read more
  • Navigating the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023: What it means for your business
    The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (the Act) represents a significant shift in the UK's approach to combating economic crime, improving corporate transparency, and anti-mo


    Read more
  • Blowing kisses, not boundaries
    Tribunal clears air on workplace etiquette.


    Read more
  • Estate planning: How not to make mincemeat of it!
    The High Court has confirmed that a will handwritten on the back of two cardboard food packages is legally binding.


    Read more

What they say...

  • C Smith, March 2025
    “As executor of a will it was a relief for a solicitor to act on my behalf as though no disputes it was still a lengthy and complex process. It was dealt with mostly by Charlotte B. who kept me informed at all times. She explained the process c

  • Marc, March 2025
    “RIAA Barker Gillette were engaged to handle a real estate transaction with unusual circumstances. As a non-UK resident unfamiliar with English conveyancing procedures, I felt completely satisfied with the depth of the information and explanati

  • Leigh, March 2025
    “Instructed Martin on my first property purchase. He was a delight to work with, kept me informed and updated regularly. It was an incredibly smooth and quick process. Couldn’t be happier.”

  • Ms Brownell, March 2025
    “Patrick was amazing from start to finish. He made the process so easy, and explained each step in detail ahead of time so I’d understand what would happen and when. He was incredibly organized and noted every detail, calling out things t

  • Roman Cassini, February 2025
    “Peter Wright – highly recommended solicitor, helped us though a complicated flat sale with consummate professionalism.”

Read more
Send this to a friend