If you are looking to start or grow your electrician business, it is crucial to think about what goes into your employment contracts. These contracts play a vital role in managing your business by outlining the terms and conditions of your employees’ engagement. This article will provide you with an overview of what should be included in your employment contracts for your electrician business.
How Employment Contracts Protect Your Business
An employment contract plays a vital role in managing various aspects of your employees’ work lives. Each contract should include terms and conditions that serve as essential protections for your business. Additionally, these contracts can outline specific provisions tailored to individual employees and their roles within your company.
Moreover, employment contracts establish clear expectations and obligations for each employee, helping them understand their responsibilities within the business and how to fulfil them effectively.
Lastly, a well-drafted employment contract also imposes obligations on you as the employer, ensuring that your employees receive equal protection.
What Should You Include in Your Employment Contracts?
As an electrician, your employment contracts may include clauses relating to:
- equipment, including what equipment you will provide;
- qualifications and a right to work;
- training, including what training you will provide;
- the duties and responsibilities of the role;
- a probation period if relevant;
- remuneration and other entitlements;
- expectations for work-appropriate dress;
- the maximum weekly hours employees can work;
- work health and safety;
- expectations when working with other employees and contractors;
- any expectations of work outside of business hours;
- requirements to clean up after a job is complete;
- etiquette when interacting with customers; and
- confidential information.
Furthermore, ensure your employment contracts match any industry awards that apply to your business. For instance, electricians might fall under the Electrical, Electronic and Communications Contracting Award 2020, which outlines additional entitlements they should receive alongside the National Employment Standards (NES).
As an employer, you need to know the NES and any applicable modern awards. You must also ensure that your employment contracts meet or surpass these standards and entitlements. Failing to do so could lead to penalties for you and your company.
Continue reading this article below the formCan You Write Your Employment Contracts?
While you can draft your employment contracts, it is advisable to have a lawyer prepare them. Workplace and employment law in Australia can be intricate, with frequent changes and court interpretations. So, it is wise to have a lawyer draft your contracts to protect your business and reduce risks.
But that does not mean you cannot have a significant say in what goes into your contracts, as long as it is lawful. Your employment contracts represent your business, so your input is crucial for their effectiveness. You might want to collaborate with a legal professional to create clear and relevant contracts tailored to your business. This ensures you cover all essential aspects.
As an employer, understand your essential employment obligations with this free LegalVision factsheet.
Key Takeaways
If you are starting your own electrician business or expanding an existing one, it’s time to think about what goes into your employment contracts. Employment contracts are crucial for any business, helping you grow in line with your values and work ethic. As an electrician, there are specific details you might want to include in your contracts:
- equipment: outline which equipment you’ll provide and what training will be available;
- dress code: specify what clothing should be worn on the job;
- experience and qualifications: detail relevant experience and qualifications required;
- health and safety: clearly define expectations regarding work health and safety;
- collaboration: set expectations for working with other employees and contractors;
- clean-up: state requirements for cleaning up after completing a job; and
- customer interaction: establish etiquette guidelines for interacting with customers.
If you need assistance preparing an employment contract for your electrician business, our experienced employment lawyers can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. You will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents for a low monthly fee. Call us today on 1300 544 755 or visit our membership page.
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