Staff handbooks

Sickness absence policyOur policy statement sets out a detailed reporting procedure for both short-term and long-term sickness absence, including the provision of evidence of incapacity, consideration of statements of fitness for work, "return-to-work... Read more

Homeworking policyWith an increasing trend towards homeworking arrangements, if you grant this benefit to any of your staff, whether on a part-time or full-time basis, you need to ensure you set out in the staff handbook how the scheme will operate ... Read more

Outside business interests clauseUse our outside business interests clause to restrict the ability of an employee to take on other jobs or outside business interests, both during and outside their normal working hours.All work and no playIt's quite re... Read more

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, parental bereavement leave, etc.), employees m... Read more

Compassionate leave clauseOur compassionate leave clause goes beyond the statutory right to time off for dependants and focuses on the death or very serious illness of an immediate family member. Subject to statutory provisions, it's really up to you ... Read more

Staff handbook guidelinesOur guidelines for managers on staff handbooks will help you when assembling a staff handbook from our various policies and procedures. They will assist you in deciding which policies and procedures should be contractual and ... 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

Anti-bribery policyYour business can be guilty of a criminal offence under the Bribery Act 2010 where it has failed to prevent bribery by a person associated with it. However, you have a defence if you can show you had adequate procedures in place wh... Read more

Dignity at work policyYou're not legally obliged to put in place a dignity at work policy. However, harassment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are all unlawful and implementi... Read more

Confidentiality clauseAn employee owes a duty of confidentiality to you, which continues during the period of employment and, to a more limited extent, after termination. The extent of the duty depends on the facts and circumstances of each case but ... Read more