Top tips on employment contracts for restaurants

The contract of employment is a legally binding document so think carefully about the content in terms of the obligations it puts on you.

If you write it in there, you have to be prepared to do it. Consider carefully the nature of the work people do for you; do they work full-time or do you simply offer them work as and when you have it? Can they turn down the work you offer them?

These are important points which will dictate the kind of contractual documentation you give them.

What if I directly employ them?

Where your staff are employees, you must give them a written set of main terms of employment by the time they start working for you, regardless of how many hours they work.

Those classified as ‘workers’ must also receive a written statement by the time they start work.

What about other policies?

Think about what other policies you want to include to protect you and give you flexibility. For example, recovering wages for breakages; company vehicle rules; uniform policy; overtime policy.

Without including these in the contract, your staff will not have a record of what your expectations are and you may struggle to enforce them.

What if I want to amend my terms?

Contracts of employment can be amended but because it is a legally binding document, changes generally need to be agreed with the employees.

To get some immediate advice on any issues, call one of our expert advisors on 0800 028 2420. Alternatively, request a free consultation with our experienced team.