With social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter being told today they should have clearer terms and conditions and be more upfront about how they use our personal data, Breakthrough2Performance asks how transparent are your contracts of employment?

How clear are your contracts of employment?  Are they easy to read and understand or are they a minefield for misinterpretation?

 

Are you clear about the restrictions that may apply to your employees during their employment and whether they continue to apply during (say) periods of suspension or garden leave?    Equally do you have clear provisions in place for any post-termination restrictions that may apply?

 

Do you allow your employees undertake other employment or duties whilst in your employment?

 

Do you have adequate clauses to protect your company property, publications and equipment?

 

Confidential information and Data Protection referring back to our headline where social media sites are being asked to make it clearer to their users how their personal data is or may be used, this equally applies to your employment contracts as you have a responsibility under the Data Protection Act (1998) to obtain consent to process personal data about your employees and to specify what this is and how it may be used.  For example:-  holding information on automated filing systems for the purposes of salary administration and that this data may be disclosed or processed both inside and outside of the European Economic Area.  

 

Did you know that it is unlawful to make deductions from salary unless consent is obtained? As determined by the Employment Rights Act (1996), you must obtain specific authorisation for the deduction from salary of any monies due, which could include elements such as: over-paid holiday, loans etc…

 

Should you have any questions or concerns about the content of your employment documentation – or whether your Company is adequately covered and protected by the clauses in your current employment contracts, handbooks or policies, call us today, we’re here to provide support and guidance.