Employers can avoid expensive breach of contract claims with the help of a new service.
Unveiled by the government's arbitration service Acas, the online learning tool assists with the process of drawing up and varying employment contracts.
Employers are legally obliged to provide workers with written statements of employment and contract changes. However, how to create them and what they should include can lead to confusion.
Acas are warning firms that thery are at risk if they fail to follow the rules as they can fall victim to employment tribunal rulings in favour of employees claiming contractual breaches.
Last year, Acas received 8,271 tribunal applications relating to breach of contract.
The new online course provides guidance on contractual issues and covers subjects including written statements, varying contracts and employees' rights to pay.
John Taylor, Acas Chief Executive, said: "It makes sense to get the employment contract right at the beginning as confusion could lead to misunderstandings, and possibly on to an employment tribunal."
"This online learning package will help employers to develop appropriate polices and procedures to get it right. Using Acas good practice will help stop problems developing in the first place."
To find out more visit www.acas.org.uk/elearning
