After a couple of manic months where I've quite simply had too much work - not that I'm complaining! - I've decided it's time to employ someone. I was approached by someone a few months ago and she seems perfect, but having been looking into contracts of employment, all the policies that employers need etc I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything I need to do.
Has anyone got any tips they could share about becomming an employer for the first time? We're intending to grow the business so it's something I'm hoping to need to know all about and it makes sense to set up in preparation for taking on other staff, rather than just focussing on this one person.
Funnily enough one of my clients has just bought a book called The Employers Handbook (7th edition 2010-11). It is written by Barry Cushway and recommended by the Institute of Directors. Just had a quick look through it but it looks like it covers everything - absence policies, greivances, contracts, hand books etc. Might get a copy myself!
HMRC will send you an Employers pack.There is very usefull CD included where you can find all the information required and calculate employees wages. I had to register as an employer and had to call HMRC twice to request this pack.
I have purchased employment contract templates from a company called simply docs
They have all sorts of employment contracts which were prepared by employment experts. I would say it is well worthy to prepare a good contract for your employees to avoid any conflicts in the future
I would say the contract is the most important thing and to get everything in writing. You may think your employee is lovely and would never take you to court but things can turn badly.
Make sure sickness, holiday and any disciplinary action is documented and have policies in your employee handbook for things such as:
from memory I think I got a template letter of employment from the AAT website and adapted that - not 100% as a long time ago now and most of mine are freelancers. Good luck
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Donna Curling - Complete Book-Keeping Ltd (CBKLtd) - 07939 101900
