FIVE TOP Employer RESPONSIBILITIES

There are many one-man businesses out their that are growing and looking to expand and employ staff.    At this stage, be aware that there are a few responsibilities required by the Law as well as general ethical responsibilities required of you towards your team to make sure they are happy, well looked after and fit for the job.  

1. First, you must check that your staff are eligible to work in the UK. If they’re not, you could be fined £5,000 per person. As a small business, that will be a high price to pay.

2. Once you are sure of your employee eligibility, you  must create a safe environment both physical and emotional aspect for your staff to work in. You are required by Law (HSE Publications) to ensure your staff can do their job safely and you must take out employer’s liability insurance.

3. Ensure that your employee gets a written statement of employment within two months of starting. This can either be a contract or a statement and set of policies covering the date they started work, their salary, hours of work and holiday entitlement, your policies on sick leave and pay, and pension availability, how you or your employee can terminate the job, and what disciplinary procedures are in place.

4.You must avoid discrimination in recruitment, advertising and selection procedures. Your business can be taken to an employment tribunal by someone who believes that they did not get the job due to discrimination. Avoid asking for personal details that are not related to the job, such as their race or marital status instead,  at recruitment stage, clearly state the skills the candidate needs and the tasks they will perform. 

5. You should also pay your staff appropriately.  The National minimum wage rates from October 2010 

For adults aged 21 and over is £5.80 - £5.93 per hour. 

For 18-20 year old is £4.83- £4.92 per hour and 

For 16-17 year olds is £3.57 - £3.64 also per hour.  

The government has also accepted a recommendation from the (LPC) Low Pay Commission to introduce an apprentice minimum wage of £2.50 per hour.

Employees are not expected to work for more than 48hours a week which includes overtime. 

There are many other responsibilities but getting this five right will benefit the business enormously. 

For more info go to www.direct.gov.uk/

Written by Chantle White