Staff handbooks

Leaves of absence policyIn addition to annual leave, sickness absence and the various statutory rights to time off (for example, maternity leave, parental leave, paternity leave, time off for dependants, etc.), employees might ask to take time off wo... Read more

Holidays policyWorkers have a statutory right to a minimum of 5.6 weeks' (28 days') paid leave per annum. Whilst you'd think granting holidays and holiday pay is a relatively straightforward exercise, disputes over holiday pay are one of the most common... Read more

Disciplinary procedureDealing with conduct and other disciplinary matters is one of the most difficult challenges for any employer. Make a wrong move and an employee can exact a high price. And even if you've a good reason to take action, tribunals de... Read more

Capability procedureDealing with an employee's poor performance can be particularly difficult where you know they are simply incapable of fulfilling the tasks and duties expected of them in their role, so they aren't really to blame. Our capability pr... Read more

Grievance procedureYour grievance procedure should play a crucial role in how you deal with staff complaints. Use our procedure to set out the steps that an employee with a grievance relating to their employment should take, but be aware that they ca... Read more

GDPR data protection policyOur data protection policy statement reiterates the important data protection principles set out in the GDPR, outlines out how you intend to comply with them and clarifies what rights and obligations an employee has both in... Read more

Equal opportunities policyThere's no specific legal requirement for you to have an equal opportunities policy. However, discrimination because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, reli... Read more

Other benefits in kind clauseOur benefits in kind clause specifically covers private medical and permanent health insurance, pension schemes and life assurance, as these are the most common benefits after company cars. However, you can also include a... Read more

Employee contract pay in lieu of notice clauseIn the absence of an express payment in lieu of notice clause, you don't have the contractual right to terminate employment summarily upon making such a payment. This doesn't mean you can't do it, but you do... Read more

Adoption leave and pay policyTaking time off for adoption leave is still a relatively rare occurrence but it's worth having a policy to let employees know their entitlements. In most cases, this will be by reference to the statutory rights.Adoption le... Read more