Taking on your First Employee

Recruiting -

There are many recruitment websites popular with jobseekers. Indeed is free and simple to use but there are other websites such a Reed, Monster, Fish4 or local employment websites. The days of putting a card in the newsagent’s window are long gone!

Recruitment agencies may be a help. They are more expensive but can be particularly helpful if the vacancy you have is proving to be very difficult to fill.

There is also the option of recruiting a friend, relative or someone recommended but bear in mind that, if it doesn’t work out, things can take an awkward turn.

Pay

Before you begin recruiting, decide how much to pay someone - you must pay your employee at least the National Minimum Wage which from April 2018 was £7.83 per hour for employees aged 25 and over.

Make sure that you contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) so that you can register as an employer – you can do this up to 4 weeks before you pay your new employee.

Checks

Check if your new employee has the legal right to work in the UK. You may also wish to obtain references from previous employers. Your offer of employment can be

made subject to satisfactory references.

For certain jobs, for example when working with children, a DBS check for criminal records will be necessary prior to the employee starting work.

Insurance

You will need employers' liability insurance as soon as you become an employer.

Written Statement of Employment

Send details of the job (including terms and conditions) in writing to your employee. At the very minimum you need to give your employee a written statement of employment if you’re employing someone for more than 1 month. Providing a contract of employment is a better option as it covers more bases and can avoid issues for you later on.

Pension

Check if you need to automatically enrol your new employee into a workplace pension scheme. You can check this on the Pensions Regulator’s website.

For further advice and help on becoming an employer contact Lindsey Drake on 07463 085991.