Top 6 Employment Law Tips for Small Business Owners

At Phillips Law we understand that ensuring compliance with employment legalisation and creating a positive working environment is crucial for small business owners. Here are our top 5 employment law tips to help achieve this:

1. Develop and Maintain Key Employment Policies

Having clear, written policies is essential for compliance and provides a strong defensive position if claims are brought against you as an employer. Key policies that we recommend include:

• Health and Safety Policy: Required if you have five or more employees, this policy should outline how you manage health and safety in your business.
• Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures: Under the Employment Rights Act 1996, you must provide employees with information about these procedures.
• Equal Opportunities Policy: While not legally required, it demonstrates your commitment to preventing discrimination and promoting equality.
• Data Protection Policy: Crucial for compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), this policy outlines how you handle employees’ personal data.
• Working Time Regulations: A policy that outlines compliance with the Working Time Regulations 1998, including rules on working hours, rest breaks, and annual leave.
• Family Friendly Policies:  Understand that employees will have a number of statutory rights in respect of dependant leave, parental, maternity, adoptive, paternity rights and leave.

2. Provide Clear Employment Contracts

Ensure that all employees have a written statement of employment particulars, which includes the legally required key terms and conditions of employment. This is a legal requirement under the Employment Rights Act 1996. Regularly review and update these contracts to reflect any changes in the law or with the employee’s roles and responsibilities.

3. Right to Work Checks

Check the identity documents of all new starters and ensure before they start any work that they have both the right to live and work in the UK.  Also ensure that you document when, how and who undertook those checks.

4. Implement Effective Training and Communication

• Employee Handbook: Develop an employee handbook that includes all relevant company policies and procedures. Ensure that all employees are aware of and have access to the handbook.
• Training Programs: Provide thorough induction training for new employees and ongoing training for all staff to ensure they understand company policies and legal requirements.
• Open Communication: Foster open communication between management and employees to address any concerns or issues promptly.

5. Monitor and Manage Employee Well-being

• Sickness and Absence Policy: A clear policy on how to report sickness and manage absences can help manage expectations and ensure consistency.
• Support and Well-being Initiatives: Promote employee well-being through initiatives such as health and wellness programs, flexible working arrangements, and access to occupational health services.
• Return-to-Work Interviews: Conduct return-to-work interviews after each period of sickness absence to identify any underlying issues and provide support to the employee.

6. Seek Legal Advice and Stay Informed

Seek regular legal advice to ensure compliance with employment legislation and address any potential issues before they escalate. Phillips Law can be on hand to provide you with as little or as much support as you need to navigate the complex world of employment law with ease.

Stay informed by subscribing to our employment law updates which update your knowledge on employment law and best practices to stay compliant and protect your business.

By following these tips, we believe that small business owners can ensure compliance with employment laws and create a positive and productive working environment.

If any of these points resonate with you and you would like to discuss further, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with one of our Employment Solicitors at Phillips Law.

Email [email protected], or call 01256 460830, and we will deal with your enquiry quickly.

Written by Sarah Filsell