In today’s fast-moving employment landscape, having up-to-date employment contracts and a well-drafted staff handbook isn’t just good practice, it’s essential.
Whether you’re a startup or a growing SME, these documents form the legal and cultural backbone of your business.
Rachael Frankland, Senior Associate and Head of the Dispute Resolution Team at Bromleys, explains that staying proactive with your employment contracts and policies is vital, as new legal standards are shaping the expectations and responsibilities for employers in 2025.
What Should an Employment Contract Include in 2025?
Currently, all employees must receive a written statement of employment particulars on or before their first day. This must include:
- Job title and responsibilities
- Pay, hours, and working arrangements
- Holiday entitlement
- Notice periods
- Disciplinary and grievance procedures
With the Employment Rights Bill 2025 introducing day-one rights for unfair dismissal in certain cases, it’s never been more important to ensure your contracts are legally compliant.
Are Staff Handbooks Legally Required?
While not a legal requirement in themselves, staff handbooks are a vital tool for any employer. Some policies within them are legally required, including:
- A health and safety policy (if you employ five or more people)
- Disciplinary and grievance procedures
Other policies, such as those covering equality, remote working, social media use, and data protection aren’t mandatory, but they’re crucial for managing risk and setting clear expectations.
What Are the Risks of Not Having Proper Documentation?
Failing to provide compliant contracts or policies can expose your business to:
- Employment tribunal claims
- Financial penalties and reputational damage
- Internal disputes and poor staff retention
The Business Benefits of Getting It Right
Beyond legal compliance, robust employment contracts and handbooks help you:
- Prevent misunderstandings and disputes
- Promote consistent HR practices
- Improve onboarding and employee engagement
- Demonstrate professionalism to clients and investors
With the increasing number of employment tribunal claims, clear documentation is your first line of defence.
How Bromleys Can Help
At Bromleys, our employment law specialists provide practical, cost-effective support to help you:
- Draft or review employment contracts
- Create bespoke staff handbooks
- Stay compliant with evolving legislation
- Access ongoing HR and legal advice when you need it
We understand the pressures employers face and are here to help you protect your business and your people.
Call us today on 0161 884 0905 or email bromleys@bromleys.co.uk and see how we can help.