Signed for handbook-Haven't read it, still legally binding?

bob_dob

Hi,
After having spoke to ACAS, they have confirmed that if we signed a statement saying we have 'read and understood' a new Company handbook (that was issued last year) then the terms in said handbook actually form an extension/revision of our contract.
Also, because a long time has passed between then+now, we have missed our opportunity to disagree with any parts of
it that we didn't agree with.

Now, my friend seems to think that because the statement actually said 'I agree to read' that means he can claim to not have read it, thus giving him the
opportunity to decline any of the details in the handbook.

Surely a load of rubbish?

maninthestreet

bob_dob wrote: »

Hi,
After having spoke to ACAS, they have confirmed that if we signed a statement saying we have 'read and understood' a new Company handbook (that was issued last year) then the terms in said handbook actually form an extension/revision of our contract.
Also, because a long time has passed between then+now, we have missed our opportunity to disagree with any parts of
it that we didn't agree with.

Now, my friend seems to think that because the statement actually said 'I agree to read' that means he can claim to not have read it, thus giving him the
opportunity to decline any of the details in the handbook.

Surely a load of rubbish?

He agreed to read it, but didn't - he's broken his agreement to read it.

Jarndyce

bob_dob wrote: »

Hi,
After having spoke to ACAS, they have confirmed that if we signed a statement saying we have 'read and understood' a new Company handbook (that was issued last year) then the terms in said handbook actually form an extension/revision of our contract.
Also, because a long time has passed between then+now, we have missed our opportunity to disagree with any parts of
it that we didn't agree with.

Now, my friend seems to think that because the statement actually said 'I agree to read' that means he can claim to not have read it, thus giving him the
opportunity to decline any of the details in the handbook.

Surely a load of rubbish?

It doesn't really matter what was signed or otherwise - the fact is that you have been given a copy of the handbook and can hardly argue subsequently that you were not aware of its contents. If you did not read it then that is not the fault of the employers - you were clearly encouraged to read it.
The employer should perhaps have got you to sign to say that you have 'read and understood' the contents, for the avoidance of any doubt that you had received it, but in practice (depending of course on the context) it will make little difference.

heretolearn_2

It's quite normal for documents like intranet docs, staff handbooks, policies etc to form part of your employment contract. In our actual employment contract it mentions supplementary documents forming part of the contract.

There's no requirement to have people sign to say they've read and agreed to anything, so I don't think the actual wording would help your friend in this case.

smileylondongal

The wording is just best practice - it's the actual handing over of the handbook that is the agreement to reading it. The point is, that handbook is one of the main sources of policy and terms and conditions and you do need to read it if you want to know what you're letting yourself in for. I think your friend may be clutching at straws, unfortunately. Sorry