• • Every business must have a Company Handbook
  • Each employee must be given an employment contract. Keep both as simple as possible
  • Review Handbook twice a year make sure you and your staff know it.
  • Employees must be made aware of any changes made to the contract or handbook
  • IBEC was recommended to help create contracts etc. You can pay them once off or a yearly subscription. (ibec.ie)
  • Sick leave is not statutory.
  • Make sure in your contract that staff are instructed on how you notify you if they are sick
  • Make sure policies for full and part-time staff are the same
  • Paternity leave is new. Fathers are given 2 weeks paid leave to spend with their child. This is paid by the government.
  • Probation; after six months but with monthly reviews. You can extend this and dismiss up to 11 months
  • Notify staff in writing when their probation has ended
  • Any chat/meeting with staff must have minutes taken and be signed by both parties
  • When a staff member notifies you of their pregnancy a risk assessment must be done.
  • Health and Safety leave may be taken by an employee if a safe environment cannot be provided by her employer.
  • Citizens advice information provides a good and free service to employers and employees
  • Manual handling is compulsory in the workplace. Get one of your staff or permanent staff to train as a trainer then they can provide the training for the rest of the staff. This lasts for 3 years
  • A disciplinary process must be followed
  • VHI have an EAP Employee Benefits Programme €60-€70 per year
  • Back to work scheme
  • All employers need to inform staff about pensions
  • Staff should have annual reviews

Other important items

• GDPR (is your business ready for the May 2018 deadline?