As well as contracts of employment, there are a number of other documents which may regulate the employment relationship.
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:
formal procedures, such as those on sickness and other absence, and disciplinary and grievance issues
other policies, such as an equality or equal opportunities policy
rules and procedures for the consistent and efficient running of the business, such as a company dress code
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 various 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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