As January is often seen as the time for instigating change, we
thought it would be helpful to consider some possible New Year
resolutions for those of you who have HR responsibilities:
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
