Employment law

From pay, hours and time off to discipline, grievance and hiring and firing employees, find out about your legal responsibilities as an employer.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

An email policy sets out how employees can use email and any monitoring you intend to do. Here's how to formulate a clear policy.

A well-thought-out internet policy can stop employees wasting time online, downloading viruses and endangering data security. How to introduce one.

Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, poor performance, low morale and wasted time. Learn to communicate well with employees.