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Establishing a successful recruitment process and clear written employment contracts for new employees can have a major impact on your business.

Every business needs to be aware of its obligations under minimum wage and equal pay laws, as well as recent pensions auto-enrolment changes.

You must comply with legal restrictions on employees' working hours and time off, or risk claims, enforcement action and even prosecution.

The right employment policies are an essential part of effective staff management. Make sure any policy is clear and well communicated to employees.

While sick employees need to be treated fairly, you need to ensure that 'sickness' is not being used as cover for unauthorised absence.

Most pregnant employees are entitled to maternity leave and maternity pay, while new fathers are entitled to paternity leave and paternity pay.

As well as undermining morale, illegal discrimination can lead to workplace grievances. Employee discrimination is covered by the Equality Act 2010.

Home, remote and lone workers are becoming increasingly commonplace. Key issues include communication and how to manage and motivate people remotely.

The right approach to consulting with and providing information to your employees can improve employee motivation and performance.

Disciplinary and grievance issues can be a major burden to employers. Putting in place and following the right procedures is essential.

Following the right dismissal and redundancy procedures helps protect your business and minimise the risk of a legal dispute at tribunal.

Employment tribunal claims are a worrying prospect for any employer. A tribunal case is a no-win situation – even if the claim is unjustified.

Invaluable free guide on contract law basics launched

21 March 2024

UK businesses of all sizes, and in all sectors, can benefit from a new free information guide that has been launched by Business Companion to give a clear, concise, and up-to-date overview of the key aspects of contract law for their everyday operations.

Understanding the key aspects of contract law is essential for businesses of all sizes to navigate their everyday operations successfully.

It is vital that companies and traders comply with legal requirements, mitigate risks, and protect their interests in commercial agreements.

Contract law basics: Guidance for businesses on the basics of contract law is part of a series of resources published by the Business Companion website on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade. The guide, authored by experts in consumer protection law, aims to equip traders with essential knowledge to navigate the intricacies of contract law effectively. By providing insights into common pitfalls, mistakes, and misunderstandings that may arise in contractual agreements with customers, suppliers, and other businesses, this resource empowers businesses to make informed decisions and uphold legal compliance.

Whether entering into new contracts or managing existing ones, this guide serves as a reliable companion for businesses seeking clarity and guidance in the realm of contract law. It includes definitions of frequently used terminology and the key elements of contract formation, as well as examining the different types of contracts that businesses frequently enter, including those governing on-premises and distance sales.

Both business-to-consumer and business-to-business contracts are covered, as well as postal and online contracts. The guide also looks at what would be considered unfair contract terms and conditions and examines important issues such as a customer’s capacity to enter into a contract.

As well as handy links to further in-depth reading and the relevant areas of legislation, the guide incorporates a useful checklist that can be used by businesses to help ensure that the terms and conditions they use align with best practice and consumer protection law.

The launch of the guide coincides with a series of webinars, hosted by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) and presented by the guide’s author, Jemma Cox. These free two-hour sessions, which will include guidance on the do's and don'ts of writing contracts, will take place on 22 March at 10 am and 28 March at 1 pm. Limited places are available, so to register via the guide as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

By staying up to date on the latest developments in this legal field, businesses can mitigate risks, protect their interests, and enhance their overall contractual relationships. Whether dealing with suppliers, clients, or partners, having a solid understanding of contract law is crucial for fostering trust, resolving disputes, and maintaining successful business relationships.

The repercussions of making mistakes when designing your contracts could be significant, with the potential for disputes with customers, work not being paid for, legal penalties and time-consuming and expensive remediation costing your business dearly.

To make sure you’re getting things right from the get-go, visit businesscompanion.info today to download the free guide.

About Business Companion

Business Companion is a free online resource produced by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) on behalf of the Department for Trade.

The content on Business Companion is written and verified by expert contributors but is not designed to be a replacement for professional advice and is intended only for guidance. Only the courts can give an authoritative interpretation of the law.

Business Companion covers Trading Standards law for England, Scotland and Wales. For guidance on the law in Northern Ireland, please see nibusinessinfo.co.uk.

Copyright 2024. Story submitted by Business Companion.

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