With Good Employment Week coming up on 16 November, now is a great time to check that your yard has the right employment paperwork in place.
Whether you employ a groom, instructor or office administrator, having a clear, up-to-date employment contract helps avoid misunderstandings by setting out what you and your employee can expect from each other. It can also help protect your business if a disagreement arises.
What do I need to include?
By law, you must give employees written details of their employment. The main details must be provided on or before their first day of work, with some additional information provided within the first two months.
Most employers find it easier to include all the required information in one employment contract.
Your contract should cover key details such as:
- Job title and start date
- Pay rate and how often the employee is paid
- Working hours and days, including any expected variations
- Holiday entitlement
- Place of work
- Probationary period, where applicable
- Benefits and any mandatory training
You must also provide information about matters such as sick pay, other types of paid leave, notice periods, pensions and disciplinary and grievance procedures. Some information must be provided from day one, while other details can follow within two months.
Getting this right matters. If an employee brings a successful Employment Tribunal claim for another matter, compensation of up to four weeks’ pay (subject to a statutory cap) may be awarded if you have failed to provide a compliant written statement.
Are your existing contracts still fit for purpose?
It’s important to make sure your contracts remain accurate and reflect how your business operates in practice. A contract that was suitable when an employee started may no longer reflect their role, working hours or other arrangements.
Be careful when making changes. You should generally consult with the employee and obtain their agreement before making significant changes to their contractual terms. Once agreed, any changes should be recorded in writing.
How can the EEA help?
The EEA’s online Contract Creator, helps members create employment contracts that meet current legal requirements.
The tool is free for EEA members and allows you to tailor contracts to individual employees. Make sure the information you enter is accurate and reflects the arrangements you have agreed with each member of staff.
You can also use the EEA’s Staff Handbook Creator to help document your workplace policies and procedures.
Make Good Employment Week your prompt to check your paperwork. Review your existing contracts, make sure new starters receive the right information on time, and ensure your documents reflect the reality of working in your yard.
A little time spent checking the basics now can help prevent confusion and give both you and your employees greater clarity and confidence.