Staff handbooks - Contractual policies and procedures

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

Alcohol and drugs policyA policy statement outlining your position on alcohol and drug abuse is a must, particularly if your business is in an industry where health and safety concerns are paramount. You owe a duty to your employees and to third part... 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

Right to search policyIf you search an employee without their consent, it not only amounts to the civil offence of trespass but may also constitute a criminal assault. You therefore need to ensure you have a contractually binding right to search poli... Read more

Unauthorised absence policyOur policy statement makes it clear that unauthorised absences will not be tolerated and will be dealt with under the disciplinary procedure. Whilst this may seem obvious, including it in the staff handbook makes the posit... Read more

Gifts from clients/suppliers policyIt's always nice to receive tokens of appreciation from your clients. However, the receipt of gifts by employees can be open to abuse and they could even constitute bribes. Our gifts from clients/suppliers policy ensur... Read more

Use of company equipment policyOur use of company equipment policy statement is particularly suitable if you have home workers to whom you provide designated items of equipment to enable them to carry out their duties. It makes them responsible for l... Read more

Corporate hospitality policyOur corporate hospitality policy helps you monitor client entertainment given or received. The Bribery Act 2010 doesn't ban corporate hospitality but you do need to ensure you're properly monitoring and limiting it to what i... Read more