Hiring & Employment
Taking on your first employee — or your first contractor — is one of the biggest steps a small business makes. These guides cover the legal obligations, the practical steps, and the documents you need.
Most small business owners are confident about their product or service. The employment side is where they feel exposed. These guides translate UK employment law into plain English, explain what you must do before someone's first day, and cover the contractor rules that catch many founders off-guard.
Essential reading
Employment law basics
National Minimum Wage, working time rules, statutory sick pay, holiday entitlement, and the 2026 Employment Rights Act changes — explained for small employers.
OpenStep-by-step
Hiring your first employee
A complete step-by-step guide: Right to Work checks, employment contracts, PAYE registration, auto-enrolment, and everything else before day one.
OpenContractors
IR35 for small businesses
When you engage a contractor, IR35 rules determine whether they are effectively an employee. This guide explains the rules, the 2026 small company exemption, and how to protect yourself.
OpenLegal requirement
Pension auto-enrolment
Every employer must automatically enrol eligible staff into a workplace pension. This guide explains who qualifies, how to set it up, and what the minimum contributions are.
OpenFree tool
Minimum wage checker
Check whether your hourly rates comply with the 2025/26 National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage age bands.
OpenFree template
Employment contract template
A compliant basic employment contract covering the written statement of particulars required by UK law from day one of employment.
OpenAll guides are grounded in official UK sources — GOV.UK, HMRC, Acas, the Health and Safety Executive, and The Pensions Regulator. Employment law is complex — for disputes or unusual situations, consult an employment solicitor.
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Reader offerTide Business Account
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7,500 bonus points after a completed qualifying card or cash transaction in the three months after approval, subject to Capital on Tap’s current partner terms.
SETTINGUP18+, UK-resident qualifying company applicants. Credit subject to status and affordability.
18+ and UK requirements apply. Tide: £75 after at least £100 of eligible Tide card transactions in 30 days, plus £125 when the separate Tide Instant Saver milestone is met. New customers only. Terms, eligibility and payment timing apply. Capital on Tap: 7,500 bonus points after a completed qualifying card or cash transaction in the three months after approval, subject to Capital on Tap’s current partner terms. 18+, UK-resident qualifying company applicants. Credit subject to status and affordability. We may receive a commission if you sign up; it does not change the provider’s offer or pricing.