While not every policy is legally required, there are several that UK employers should have to comply with the law, protect the business, and provide clarity for employees. Here are the essential policies every employer should have in place.
Legally Required Policies
- Health and safety policy — required in writing for employers with 5+ employees
- Disciplinary and grievance procedures — not strictly required to be a separate written policy, but the ACAS Code of Practice expects documented procedures
- Data protection/privacy policy — required under GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018
Strongly Recommended Policies
- Equal opportunities and anti-discrimination — demonstrates your commitment and helps defend vicarious liability claims
- Anti-harassment and bullying — particularly important since the new employer duty to prevent sexual harassment (October 2024)
- Sickness absence — sets out reporting procedures, SSP, and return-to-work processes
- Holiday/annual leave — clarifies entitlement, booking procedures, and carry-over rules
- Maternity, paternity, and family leave — outlines statutory and enhanced entitlements
- Flexible working — particularly important since the right to request from day one (April 2024)
- Social media and IT use — covers acceptable use of company systems and personal devices
- Whistleblowing — protects employees who raise concerns and protects the business
Additional Important Policies
- Remote/hybrid working policy
- Dress code policy
- Alcohol and drugs policy
- Expenses policy
- Redundancy policy
- Training and development policy
The Employee Handbook
The best approach is to compile all policies into a comprehensive employee handbook. This ensures employees have easy access to all workplace rules and expectations in one place.
Our contracts and handbooks team can create a bespoke set of policies for your business. Get started.