Instigating Change – New Year Resolutions

January is often seen as the time for instigating change, so consider the following New Year resolutions:

1. Signed Contracts

Do all your employees have appropriate and signed contracts of employment in place? The law prescribes that certain information be provided in writing to the employee within the first two months of their employment. This includes things like their rate of pay, holiday entitlement and place of work. Some slightly less obvious details should also be included, such as whether any collective agreements relate to their employment and who they should raise any appeal to if they wish to challenge a disciplinary decision. In an ideal world, such statement of employment terms should be signed and returned by the employee. Whilst provisions contained in an unsigned version can still be held to be binding, it is an area ripe for dispute. Express acceptance by way of a signature removes this potential headache.