Is it Time for a Contract Spring Clean?

There are many changes to employment law that can easily be overlooked. It is important to stay up to date with these changes and ensure that your employment contracts and staff handbooks are updated. These documents are crucial for resolving disputes and understanding the employment relationship.

Employment law is constantly evolving and it can be difficult for employers to keep up with changes to employment legislation Since April 2020 new staff members have been  entitled to a written statement of terms from day one of their employment. This statement should include details of any probationary period, paid leave entitlements, how hours and days vary, benefits, and any training to be provided. Failure to provide an appropriate written statement can lead to a claim for compensation by the employee.

It is crucial for businesses to review and update their contracts and staff handbooks regularly. As your business evolves, your employment policies and contracts need to keep up. Reviewing your documents can reduce the risk of disputes and save management time and expense.

Best practice includes having separate contracts for junior and senior managers, with senior managers having specific clauses to protect the business's confidential information, business relationships with key clients/customers, exit terms, and non-compete clauses. Job descriptions should also be updated to reflect changes to duties/tasks and staff/pay structure.

To ensure that contracts are legally compliant, it is advisable to update and align contractual terms. HR policies in the non-contractual handbook should be reviewed, and contracts should refer staff to disciplinary and grievance policies within the staff handbook.

Spring cleaning your employment contracts and handbooks may seem daunting, but it is always time well spent. Winston Solicitors can review your documents for a fixed fee. Call 0113 320 5000 for more information.

Reviewing and updating employment contracts and staff handbooks is crucial for businesses to avoid disputes and understand the employment relationship. As employment law changes, it is important to keep up to date and ensure that contracts are legally compliant. Winston Solicitors can help businesses with a fixed fee review of their documents.