Having been self-employed for many years and having previously run a playgroup, I know there is much more to running a business than the work people see. Employing staff brings extra responsibilities too. You suddenly need to think about contracts, pay, policies, holidays, sickness and what to do if something goes wrong at work.
Most employers genuinely want to treat their staff well and do everything properly, but employment law can feel like a minefield. The rules change, and every workplace situation is different. An old contract template may no longer be suitable, while advice from a friend may not apply to your circumstances.
Thankfully, there are places to turn for reliable guidance. Some offer free information or employer advice lines, while others provide specialist legal support. Here are seven resources worth knowing about if you employ people in the UK:
1. Employment Advice Bureau
The Employment Advice Bureau offers free guidance on employment law, HR and workplace health and safety. It supports UK business owners, directors and managers, so its information is written from an employer’s point of view.
The service covers absence, disciplinary procedures, grievances, redundancy, staff handbooks, workplace policies and tribunals. Contracts are one of the first things a new employer needs to sort out, as they set out important details such as pay, hours, holidays and notice periods. If you are taking on your first employee or updating an old contract, you can access free UK employment contract advice & support through the Employment Advice Bureau.
2. Employer Advice
Employer Advice is another service aimed at employers and business decision-makers. It provides advice based on the Acas Code of Practice and covers HR, employment law and staff management.
Its areas of advice include sickness and absence, family leave, holiday pay, grievances, flexible working and contracts. Employers can also seek guidance about disciplinaries, dismissals, redundancies, TUPE transfers and tribunals. When you are worried about a staff issue, taking time to understand the correct process could prevent further problems later.
3. Employers Direct
Employers Direct provides HR and employment law advice specifically for employers. Its advice is based on the Acas Code of Practice and includes help with absence, bullying, discrimination, harassment, grievances, disciplinary action, redundancy, dismissal and TUPE.
This could be useful if a workplace problem has arisen and you are unsure how to respond. An adviser can help you work out which information to gather, what to record and whether anything needs to be confirmed in writing.
4. Martin Searle Solicitors
Sometimes an employer needs more than general guidance and it is time to speak to an employment solicitor. Martin Searle Solicitors advises both employers and employees on employment law.
For employers, the firm offers legal advice, HR consultancy, workplace training and help with disputes. It covers discrimination, grievances, disciplinaries, redundancy, settlement agreements and workplace policies. Specialist legal advice may be appropriate if a situation is complicated, legal action has been threatened or the business needs formal representation.
5. Acas
Acas is a familiar name, but you may not realise just how much free information is available on its website. It offers impartial advice about workplace rights, rules and good practice to both employers and employees.
Its guides cover contracts, pay, holidays, absence, flexible working, disciplinary procedures, grievances, redundancy and dismissal. You can also read the Acas Codes of Practice or call its confidential helpline to talk through a workplace problem.
6. GOV.UK
When you need to check an official rule or current statutory rate, head to the Employing people section on GOV.UK. It brings together government information about recruiting and employing staff.
There is guidance on contracts, the National Minimum Wage, working hours, holidays, payroll, workplace pensions, parental leave and dismissals. As rates and rules can change, it is sensible to check GOV.UK rather than relying on an old article or template.
7. Health and Safety Executive
Looking after employees is not only about contracts and HR. Employers are also responsible for providing a safe and healthy place to work.
The Health and Safety Executive is Great Britain’s regulator for workplace health and safety. Its website covers risk assessments, policies, first aid, staff training, workplace facilities and the reporting of certain incidents. There is general information for small businesses as well as guidance for specific industries.
When should you ask for help?
You do not need to wait for a major dispute. Advice can be useful before employing someone, changing a contract or introducing a policy. It is also worth seeking help if you receive a grievance, are investigating misconduct, managing long-term absence or considering redundancy or dismissal.
The right source will depend on the problem. An official guide may answer a simple question about holiday entitlement or statutory pay. An advice line lets you explain the circumstances, while a complex or high-risk dispute may need a qualified employment solicitor.
Before using a service, check who it advises, whether there is a fee and what further help is available. Ask which rules apply, what procedure to follow, what needs to be put in writing and whether there are any deadlines. Keep clear records of correspondence, meetings and decisions too.
Final thoughts
You cannot prepare for every workplace problem, but you can keep your contracts and policies clear and know where to find reliable help. If a decision could have serious consequences for an employee or your business, seek advice based on the full circumstances before going ahead.
This article is for general information only and should not be treated as legal advice.
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