Specific policies relating to various matters concerning an employee’s employment will help to define, on an informal basis, the relationship between the employer and the employees. These policies can be wide ranging and be in respect of matters such as a disciplinary and grievance policy, anti harassment and anti bullying policy, maternity/paternity and other family friendly policies.  

Further, more detailed and unique policies, can also be drafted to assist the employer clarify its non-contractual obligations to its staff. These may include policies in respect of flexitime, Saturday working, and other policies that can clarify the expectations of both the employer and employee.

Policies, as compared to specific contractual terms, can be introduced and varied by the employer at their discretion and, therefore, the providing of specific policies, often in tandem with an Employee Handbook, allows that flexibility.

Policies are also important should any dispute arise between employer and employee, as, provided they are followed, are evidence of the standards that an employer expects of it’s staff, and also, evidence of what the employer considers reasonable in the workplace.