Employees receive a written statement of particulars of employment on or before their first day, including job title and duties, place of work, commencement date, continuous employment date, salary, normal working hours, holiday entitlement, benefits, notice provisions and any applicable probation terms. Where there is any inconsistency between this handbook and an employee's contract, the contractual provision applies unless this would provide less than a mandatory statutory entitlement.
New employees are normally subject to a six month probation period, which may be extended once by up to three months where additional assessment time is reasonably required. Performance and conduct are reviewed during probation and feedback is provided. Successful completion is confirmed in writing. During probation the notice period is one week on either side unless the contract states otherwise.
Permanent, fixed-term and temporary arrangements are available where the role requires them. Fixed-term employees receive the same terms and conditions as comparable permanent employees, including access to pension schemes and staff facilities, and are informed of permanent vacancies as they arise.