Protect Your Business – Update Your Contracts and Policies

Martin Searle Solicitors Employment Law team are launching their Contracts and Handbook campaign throughout August 2020 to help employers introduce or update their contracts and policies. The Coronavirus Pandemic has been a difficult time for most organisations and this is an opportunity to ensure that all contracts and policies reflect your current working practices as well as protecting your business.

This includes offering an audit service to employers to ensure that freelancers haven’t inadvertently become employees.

The Employment Law team will also advise on whether post-termination restrictions are required to protect the business after an employee or freelancer leaves.

Free up-to-date grievance, disciplinary and capability policies will be provided when contracts are purchased.

We will be holding a free virtual seminar on ‘Everything You Need To Know About Contractual Terms and Policies’ on Thursday 20 August 2020 from 1 – 2pm. This is open to employers, HR professionals, and anyone responsible for providing and updating contracts and policies. To register for the event, click here.

Fiona Martin, Head of Employment Law, says: “Many businesses fail to issue written contracts to their employees or contractors. This is not a problem when relationships are harmonious and an implied contract will arise based on custom and practice. But ambiguity can lead to disputes.”

Throughout August, their Employment Law team will provide a free half hour telephone advice service for employers, hirers, employees and workers on workplace contractual rights and policies and procedures. This will include following the Acas Code to ensure grievances and disciplinary procedures are fair.

Fiona continues: “We often come across badly drafted contracts which are onerous for the employer. For example, where contracts contain disciplinary and grievance procedures, employers must follow the procedures ‘to the letter’ to avoid breach of contract claims – even where the individual has been employed for less than two years. We ensure these are set out in a separate policy.”

To support the campaign, Martin Searle Solicitors have produced a series of Factsheets, Case Studies, Top Tips and FAQs covering contractual obligations for employers.

For half an hour of free and confidential advice, call our Contracts and Policies legal advice line on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout August from 3.30pm to 5.30pm.

Throughout August, Martin Searle Solicitors will be offering a 10% discount to businesses and organisations who need new employment contracts, freelancer contracts or updated policies.

To find out more, contact us today on 01273 609911, or email info@ms-solicitors.co.uk.