Hiring, explained like a human
Every legal duty of taking someone on, in plain English — with the exact law behind each step so you can see it's real.
How to hire your first employee in the UK: the complete legal checklist
Every legal step of hiring your first employee in the UK, in order, in plain English — with the exact law behind each one.
Do you need employers’ liability insurance for one employee?
Almost every employer must hold employers’ liability cover of at least {{EL_COVER}} from the first day someone works for them, and can be fined per uninsured day.
Employee, worker or self-employed — which is your new hire?
The law decides status by how the work really happens: personal service, control, and mutuality of obligation.
How do you check someone’s right to work in the UK?
Check every new hire the same way before their first day: a British or Irish passport by hand, or the free GOV.
How do you register as an employer with HMRC?
You must register as an employer with HMRC before your first payday, and no more than two months ahead.
How does payroll work for your first employee?
Every payday you must work out tax and National Insurance, report the pay to HMRC on or before the day you pay, and give an itemised payslip — however you pay, including cash.
How does Statutory Sick Pay work?
If a qualifying employee is off sick you must pay SSP at the statutory rate, paid like normal wages.
How much paid holiday must you give?
Almost every worker gets statutory paid holiday each year — pro-rated for part-time patterns, and bank holidays can count towards it.
What are the current minimum wage rates?
Every worker must be paid at least the minimum wage for their age band — apprentices have their own rate — and the rates change every April.
What must a first employment contract include?
An employee must receive a written statement of their main terms on or before day one: pay, hours, holiday, place of work, notice, probation and more.
When do workplace pension duties start for a first employer?
Your pension duties start the day your first employee starts.
Which employment records must you keep, and for how long?
You must keep pay and PAYE records, holiday records and right-to-work evidence for set statutory periods — some for years after someone leaves.