Policies, handbooks and other documents

As well as contracts of employment, there are a number of other documents which may regulate the employment relationship.

Employee handbooks

Handbooks are not mandatory, and their format (eg presented on an intranet or in a written document) and precise content will differ depending on the organisation. They are, however, useful ways of providing information in respect of an organisation's:

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formal procedures, such as those on sickness and other absence, and disciplinary and grievance issues
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other policies, such as an equality or equal opportunities policy
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rules and procedures for the smooth and efficient running of the business, such as a company dress code
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aims and culture

Policies are often put into a handbook, to avoid making them contractual. However not all policies in handbooks are non-contractual. Whether or not a policy has contractual force depends on factors including how it is referred to in the contract of employment, and the status of other policies within the handbook. If an employer wishes a particular policy to be contractual or non-contractual, it is advisable to state this expressly in the policy.

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