Why this matters in Thornhill: Independent retailers, trades, care providers and cafés in Thornhill often grow faster than their documentation. A clear, legally sound staff handbook reduces risk, improves consistency and helps new hires settle quickly.
What a “good enough” handbook includes
1) Contracts & essentials (signposted clearly)
- Statement of particulars, probation, job titles, hours, place of work
- Pay, overtime, breaks, holiday entitlement and calculations (incl. part-time rules)
- Notice periods and probation review process
2) Conduct & fair process
- Disciplinary and grievance procedures aligned to ACAS guidance
- Absence reporting (who, how, when) and return-to-work interviews
- Anti-bullying/harassment, equality, and whistleblowing routes
3) Working time & flexibility
- Working Time Regulations overview (rests, night work, opt-out)
- Flexible working requests: who can apply, timelines, and response steps
- Hybrid/remote rules if applicable (data security, equipment, check-ins)
4) Safety & wellbeing
- Health and safety responsibilities, risk reporting, PPE (if relevant)
- Mental health and EAP signposting; stress risk assessments
- Lone working and incident reporting—important for late-opening shops
5) Data protection & tech use
- GDPR basics for staff data; retention and access requests
- Acceptable use of email, messaging apps, social media, and CCTV
Make it practical (and used)
- Plain English with short sections and FAQs
- Version control and a front-page change log
- New-starter briefing + a signed acknowledgment page
- Annual mini-review so it stays current
Quick win timeline (2 weeks)
Week 1: Collate current policies, fix gaps (discipline, grievance, absence, equality).
Week 2: Add holiday/working time clarifications, safety summary, GDPR notes; publish PDF and train managers.
Need a ready-to-use handbook?
HR Support Services builds compliant, plain-English handbooks for Thornhill SMEs—plus manager briefing packs so policies work in real life.
