General process

When you’re hiring someone into the workplace, the first thing to consider is how to take that person on. There are plenty of options to choose from.

Very importantly, the question of ‘employment status’ depends on the nature of the working relationship, not on what you call it. So if you’re not sure about what you should choose, or whether there are any risks to your business in employing someone on a particular basis, our guides below should help you match the right approach to your intentions.

The next step is to ensure that you’ve got the right contract in place, making sure that it complies with all relevant employment law provisions and, significantly, that it doesn’t accidentally contain something you don’t want. Sometimes terms are ‘implied’ into a contract if the actual wording is silent about it. That’s why we have a range of contract clauses below so that you can select what’s right for the arrangement you have in mind.

You also need to ensure that you follow a legally robust recruitment procedure; including making the right background checks and ensuring that you avoid any unlawful discrimination throughout the process. Employment law is quite process-driven and our guides and forms below will help you to get that right too.

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.

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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.