Do you know how to safely employ domestic staff? Hiring a new member of staff can feel a little daunting, but don’t worry, our friends at Stafftax are here to help. In this blog we explain some of the key things you will need to do. To ensure that your next hire is taken on, both safely and legally.
Check Your Employee Has The Right To Work In The UK
It is essential that employers undertake relevant checks. To ensure that the individual they wish to hire has the right to work in the UK. These checks should be undertaken for every employee that you take on. And failure to do so may result in penalties.
A full list of the documentation that can be used to confirm your employees right to work in the UK, can be found on the GOV website.
Put A Contract Of Employment In Place
Stafftax can assist you with this!
It is the law to provide your employee with a contract of employment on their working first day. Providing a comprehensive contract will also help to set a good foundational block for your working relationship. This contract should outline all the key terms of employment.
Declare Your Employee’s Earnings
Stafftax can assist you with this!
As an employer you have a responsibility, to report your employee’s earnings to HMRC, by operating a PAYE scheme. HMRC will be notified of how much Tax and National Insurance is due on your employee’s earnings. This happens through the submission made via the PAYE scheme.
The employer would also be responsible for deducting the Tax and National Insurance owed by the employee from their gross earnings. And should pay this across to HMRC on their behalf.
If you are using a payroll service, such as Stafftax. Then they will set up your PAYE scheme and process the payroll and submission to HMRC on your behalf.
Set Up A Workplace Pension Scheme
Stafftax can assist you with this!
All UK employers have a legal duty to have a workplace pension scheme in place for their employees. If your employee meets the age and salary criteria. They will then need to be automatically enrolled in the pension scheme.
However, if an employee does not meet the criteria for automatic enrolment. They will still have the choice to opt into the pension scheme, should they wish.
Ensure You Have The Correct Insurance Policy In Place
Employers liability insurance is a legal requirement for all UK employers. By having such a policy in place, you are not only meeting your legal obligation. But you are also protected against any claims. In case your employee falls ill or injured as a result of their work.
If you already have an insurance policy in place. Then we recommend speaking to your current provider to ensure your policy includes the relevant cover.
Check For Any Temporary Legislation Or Guidance Changes
It is also pertinent to check whether there are any temporary changes to legislation or guidance. That may affect the hiring of new staff. For example, the current COVID pandemic has brought about restrictions that had previously not been in place.
At the time of this blog being written, employees can continue to attend their workplace. If they are unable to undertake their role from home. However, we would recommend checking the relevant COVID guidance regularly. As the government revisits it often.
This blog has been written by our friends at Stafftax, who are our recommended service provider for payroll and more.
Stafftax have been providing professional payroll services, employment contracts, workplace pensions and trusted HR advice to thousands of domestic employers for more than 15 years. If you’d like support or guidance on these matters, the Stafftax team will be happy to assist.
If you want a personal referral from Polo & Tweed, then get in touch with us, and we’d be delighted to make a personal introduction.