The HR Forum

Non contractual versus contractual staff handbooks

Posted by Sarah Loates on February 13, 2016 at 1:57pm in Being An Effective Practitioner

Hi all

I am currently reviewing a staff hanbdook and contract for a client. Their staff handbook is all contractual including all their policies and procedures.

I wondered if I could start a debate and the pros and cons of a non contractual staff handbook versus a contractual one?

I am struggling to see the benefits of a contractual handbook, as this makes changing policies and procedures more difficult. Also in the event that they do not follow their contractual disciplinary procedure there could be a potential for breach of contract.

What are your views on this?

I would also be interested in hearing how you approach this in your organisation?

All the best

Sarah

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Replies

Tamasin Sutton February 15, 2016 at 6:02pm

Hi Sarah

I agree with both you and Shaun. Making a staff handbook contractual results in extremely cumbersome processes when it comes to changing the way an organisation does things. I haven't come across a company who has a contractual handbook, and it's always made clear that the policies are not contractual in the contract of employment as well.

Tamasin
- Sarah Loates > Tamasin Sutton February 15, 2016 at 8:21pm
  
  Thanks Tamasin good to know I come across few contractual ones these days!
  
  All the best
  
  Sarah
This reply was deleted.
- Sarah Loates February 15, 2016 at 8:17pm
  
  Thanks Shaun I love the new word! All the best Sarah