Employment Handbook

Some of the most important terms that apply to each employee individually will be contained each employee contract, but the company handbook contains the full set of policies and procedures that lay out how the company approaches a whole range of HR issues. And having these policies outside the employment contract can help you update them in line with current legislation as needed, without having to request your employee’s agreement, as long as the changes are minor and not detrimental to the employee. Having this well organised also decreases the chances of an employment dispute.

It is particularly important to have up to date and fair policies in your handbook. ACAS, outline a code of practice, and it is particularly important that your disciplinary and grievance processes comply with this code.

If they don’t and you end up receiving a claim for an employment tribunal, a non-compliant process can result in a 25% uplift of a successful award.

What should you include in an employee handbook?

The employee handbook is unique to each company and will vary by industry. It is helpful to begin with some information on the company’s mission and objectives, then move on to the employment policies.

Commonly used procedures and policies are:

1. Grievance procedure
2. isciplinary procedure
3. Maternity, paternity and adoption policies
4. Parental leave policy
5. Compassionate leave policy
6. Bribery Act policy
7. Home and flexible working policy
8. Company car policy
9. Health and safety policy
10. Lone worker policy (if applicable)
11. Whistle blowing policy
12. Social media policy

How can we help?

Our specialist employment solicitors can help you put together a comprehensive company handbook that is adapted to the requirements of your business, and we can help you keep it up to date as policies change.

So if you think that your company policies and procedures need a little bit of polishing up, please don’t hesitate to drop us a line.