Skip to main content

Insight article

February 20, 2017

Employment Law Basics

The basics of what employers need to know and what they should be mindful of.

Always err on the side of caution, and when in doubt, consult a qualified lawyer before taking any action. See employment solicitor Karen Cole’s list of Employment law basics:

  1. Provide written employment contracts to all employees (tailor them to levels of seniority) and ensure your policies and procedures are contained in a staff handbook. Make sure both are regularly reviewed.
  2. Have a social media policy with clear guidelines regarding what you consider acceptable behaviour regarding usage and content. Make it clear that unacceptable use of social media (whether professional or personal) could result in disciplinary action.
  3. Proactively manage sickness absence. Keep detailed absence records and conduct return-to-work interviews after any period of absence. Consider whether the employee may be disabled.
  4. Keep up to date with changes in employment law. You can regularly check the Advisory, Conciliation & Arbitration Service (ACAS) website.
  5. Never hold a meeting with an employee (for whatever reason) without taking detailed conversation notes. Keep written records of any personnel matter.
  6. Ensure employee appraisals/reviews are carried out and that they are accurate. It is easy to avoid difficult conversations about poor performance, but this only creates problems down the line. A fair performance management procedure should be implemented, and should it become necessary, it will assist with dismissal procedures further down the line.
  7. Follow the ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures, again found on the ACAS website. Any compensatory award made against you by the Employment Tribunal could be increased by 25% if you do not.
  8. Understand what discrimination means and how to avoid it. Appreciate that this does not just apply to employees. Be aware of actions throughout the recruitment process and that you could be held responsible for the actions of third parties.
  9. Do not initiate a without prejudice discussion or protected conversation with any employee without taking legal advice first.
  10. Always seek legal advice if you are unsure. The right legal advice at the right time could prevent a hefty legal bill.

Call Karen Cole today to find out how the employment law basics apply to you.

Note: This is not legal advice; it provides information of general interest about current legal issues.

Stay in touch

Subscribe to our newsletter

Stay in touch

By completing your details and submitting this form you confirm you are happy for us to send you marketing communications and that you agree to our Website Privacy Policy and Legal Notice and to us using Mailchimp to process your data.


Sending

News/Insight

  • Strategic lifetime gifting
    How to minimise your IHT liability during your lifetime.


    Read more
  • Navigating directors’ duties
    Legal responsibilities and risks for UK company directors


    Read more
  • Preparing a business-lasting power of attorney
    In this article, private client solicitor Herman Cheung of West End law firm RIAA Barker Gillette (UK) considers the advantages, needs and practical examples of creating a bu


    Read more
  • Can you make a WhatsApp will?
    Key legal requirements and future outlook.


    Read more
  • Supporting neurodiverse people in family law matters
    Understanding neurodiversity in the legal context.


    Read more

What they say...

  • Michael, May 2025
    “Very pleased with the services provided by Charlotte Barbaroussis. Particularly found her quick and effective to reply to any queries.”

  • Malcolm & Sheila Blackmore, May 2025
    “My wife and I engaged RIAA Barker Gillette to prepare our wills and LPOA’s. James McMullan and Charlotte Barbaroussis were the epitome of professionalism – responding quickly, talking us through the legalese, clearly answering any

  • Ian, April 2025
    “Martin and his team at Barker Gillette acted for us in our purchase and sale of property. The chain was lengthy and elements of the work became complex. Martin was tenacious and resolved to answer our queries as they arose. He handled all aspe

  • Henry, April 2025
    “We have purchased flats before with 2 different solicitors who were unable to help us this time. Martin came highly recommended and are we glad. He was very professional in every way: knowledgeable, approachable, he has a friendly manner, very

  • Megan Purcell-Jones, April 2025
    “Charlotte was extremely diligent and thorough. She talked us through the process of making our wills and listened to and understood our needs and the complexities involved. Extremely patient and very clear.”

Read more
Send this to a friend