Q: I’m a sole trader but want to take on more staff. How can I do this whilst minimizing legal costs?

By Benjanmin Posener, Managing Partner

A: The cost element of taking on new staff is not just in the salaries that these people will charge to the business but also in extra costs such as HR and Legal. To assist in minimising the cost and the impact of new staff it is important that up-to-date HR procedures are put into place and also an up-to-date Staff Handbook. The HR procedures will ensure that the business remains cost effective in dealing with day-to-day staff issues and also with more serious disciplinary issues. A Staff Handbook will ensure that all current and new members of staff are fully aware of the business policies in relation to staff, what is acceptable and what is not acceptable when they are representing the business inside and outside the premises. Finally, it is important that you have a properly drafted employee contract which can be used across a number of different roles. Such a contract will save costs as it can be amended for all new staff and will mean that you will not require a new contract for each new role.