General performance guidance

As a general principle, you should always act fairly and reasonably towards your employees.  In addition to legislation that has created specific employment rights, there is a legally  implied term of trust and confidence in every employment relationship, meaning that as an employer, you have a positive duty to take extra care in the way you interact with, and provide the right environment for, your employees.

There are many strands to these legal requirements. Most are covered elsewhere on the hub; for example in our sections on putting in place the right policies and the right guidance for employees, or dealing with employee misconduct and performance management, as well as unlawful discrimination. But here you can find further guides and documents relating to some of the common but less contentious employee management concerns, such as on Christmas parties, how to deal with a pandemic virus or gift reporting.

We recommend using our guides as your starting point and to set helpful context for the way in which the templates and other documents can be used. If you’re ever unsure about how to use any of our materials, just get in touch on the contact details below.

The content on this website has been prepared by Markel Law LLP and it’s specified partners. It’s intended as guidance only and not to be regarded as a substitute for consultation with one of our solicitors or experts, since every case will ultimately turn on its own particular facts and circumstances. We recommend that you use our materials as your starting point and be aware that you sometimes have to follow a set procedure before taking any action, especially in an employment context. If you are in any doubt, we’d suggest that you get in touch with us and we’ll talk you through your options on how to get the right legal advice.