Looking to take on employee need advise on contracts etc.

kazziemikey

Hi

I'm not sure if I'm in the right section but I'm looking for a little bit of advice.

Myself and hubby own our own business we have run this for 3 years now and now we are busy enough to take on an employee.

The problem is I need to do this properly regarding contracts etc and looked online for templates but there's so many and all want payment but I don't know which will be my best option along with what else would I need for taking on an employee. We don't want to get into any problems if it all goes wrong if you know what I mean!

Amy advise or help would be great.

Thanks
Kazzie

Driver83

There is a section on direct.gov specifically for contracts. I do believe the have templates available

Driver83

http://www.human-resource-solutions.co.uk/HR-Policy-Pages/Employment-Contract/Employment-Contract.htm I found this after searching "free employee contract template" online. There where a few more good results but this site seems to cover everything.

kingfisherblue

Do you have a local chamber of commerce or business advisory service? Joining one can give access to with all types of business advice, including contracts. Paying out now could save thousands in the future.

ACG

I am an employer. My contract is very basic, the idea being that I want there to be no ambiguity and keep it straight to the point. I think a lot of contracts go in to far too much depth and then things become complicated.

A couple of things to consider:
Company pension - this may still be optional for you, if it is not compulsory already it will be very soon. Unless the employees work less than x hours a week and earn less than the NI threshold.
I think a lot of first time employers get cuaght up in the fear of a tribunal, try not to worry about that. Employees have to be with you for 2 years before they can take you to a tribunal, unless its clear its from racism, sexism, your getting rid so you do not have to pay sick pay etc.

Have you spoken to your accountant? Mine helped me no end when I took on my first employee. I was pretty nervous about doing it, but its actually not that difficult although you do notice that your costs go up by more than just the employees wage - so I would suggest speaking to your accountant so as to avoid any nasty surprises.

TiddlyPom

You could also speak to the
Federation of Small Businesses of advice.

kazziemikey

Thank you everyone the information is very useful.

We have not yet used an accountant that is the next thing on the to do list, I have managed with our accounts so far but we're now starting to make a small profit and with business growing I feel it is time.

bugslet

We use one that a trade association we belong to created. It's fairly industry specific, which may or may not be a consideration depending on what you do.

kazziemikey

We are a property maintenance company we work alongside letting agents turning around properties ready for re-letting.