Conciliatory body Acas has developed a free online learning package to help organisations put together employment contracts.
All employers should provide employees with a written statement of employment but how and what should be included can often lead to confusion.
The course covers topics such as:
* about contracts of employment;
* written statements;
* varying a contract of employment;
* understanding contractual issues;
* employees' rights on pay.
The course also defines what a contract of employment is and looks at understanding contractual issues. Users can revisit the website at any time for practical advice and information.
Gill McCarthy, Area Director for Acas Yorkshire and Humber, 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.'
In 2003 Acas received 8,271 applications to employment tribunals relating to breach of contract.
Acas' other online learning packages on Discipline and Grievances at work and Information and Consultation have attracted almost 5,000 users in the last two months. All e-learning packages are available at www.acas.org.uk/elearning.
