Staff Handbook Template
Document Name: Staff Handbook
-
Policy
Jurisdiction UK
What is a Staff Handbook?
A staff handbook is a document which contains non-contractual policies and procedures which the business wishes its staff to adhere to.
Most of the policies within this staff handbook are deemed to be non-contractual (as opposed to the terms in a contract of employment which is a contractual document). This is because a business will usually want to be able to change the policies and procedures without obtaining consent from its staff to do so (which it will need to do if the change relates to contractual terms).
There are occasions where non-contractual policies may become contractual (through the implied term of custom and practice) but generally speaking they are not.
When should a Staff Handbook be used?
A staff handbook should be used to advise employees and, in some cases, all staff of the policies and procedures it wishes them to adhere to.
There are some policies and procedures which a business must have by law (disciplinary and grievance procedures; sickness absence; pensions and health and safety (for businesses with 5 or more people) and others which are recommended as it might help avoid civil or criminal liability (bribery; facilitation of tax evasion; equal opportunities; data protection and whistleblowing).
What is contained in this Staff Handbook?
This staff handbook contains the basic policies and procedures which a business must have (except it assumes that the business has set out the terms relating to incapacity for work due to sickness or injury, including any provision for sick pay, within the contract of employment), as well as the additional policies and procedures which are recommended. It is aimed at the small business who engages employees; workers; consultants and other contractors to carry out work on its behalf.
It therefore contains the following policies:
- Equal Opportunities policy
- Anti-harassment and bullying policy
- Anti-facilitation of tax evasion policy
- Anti-corruption and bribery policy
- Whistleblowing policy
- Disciplinary and capability procedure
- Grievance procedure
- Health and safety policy
- Data Protection policy
How can LawBite help
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If you have more bespoke requirements for your Staff Handbook or you would like a lawyer to review it - you can speak with the LawBite team.
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