Is employee handbook legal?
Employee Handbooks: What you need to know Though there are many laws requiring employers to notify employees of certain workplace rights, there are actually no federal or state laws specifically requiring an employer to have an employee handbook—and plenty of employers choose not to have one.
Can a employer make changes to a staff handbook?
In a recent case in the High Court the question of whether an employer can make changes to a staff handbook without their employees consent to the changes was decided. The employer in this case was the Department for Transport and there were seven employees from different agencies within the Department for Transport (‘DfT’) who brought the claim.
Do you have to have a company handbook?
While employers are not required by law to provide a company handbook to employees, providing your workforce with an overview of company policies and procedures is generally considered a best practice.
What happens if I don’t sign an employee handbook?
In most cases, yes you will need to sign it if you want to continue working with this company. You can of course not sign it, but the company could choose to fire you for not signing. Otherwise there’s always the option of applying at a different company. Revisions to handbooks are relatively common.
Can a DFT enforce a change to a staff handbook?
If the consultation did not result in consent from employees the DfT could only enforce the change if it was not detrimental to the employees. The employees applied to the High Court for a declaration on four key points: The terms of their contracts were as set out before the change.
In a recent case in the High Court the question of whether an employer can make changes to a staff handbook without their employees consent to the changes was decided. The employer in this case was the Department for Transport and there were seven employees from different agencies within the Department for Transport (‘DfT’) who brought the claim.
If the consultation did not result in consent from employees the DfT could only enforce the change if it was not detrimental to the employees. The employees applied to the High Court for a declaration on four key points: The terms of their contracts were as set out before the change.
Is the employee handbook the final word on policy?
The employee handbook is the best and final word on company policy. As times change and unconsidered issues come up, the employee handbook must be updated. There must be a provision in the employee handbook that allows for update and change. Consider adding a statement that says, “These policies are subject to change.
What are the benefits of an employee handbook?
The most significant benefit to the Employee handbook not being contractual is that it allows employers to vary its contents without requiring the formal consent of its employees.