Are you starting your own bricklaying business or looking to expand your existing business? If so, it is essential to consider what you will include in your employment contracts. Unfortunately, many business owners overlook the importance of these contracts when running their businesses. As a bricklayer, you cannot afford to make this mistake. You are in charge of employees doing physical labour in a vast array of situations. It may become a recipe for disaster if you do not adequately manage your employees. This article will explore essential terms to include in your bricklayer employment contracts.
How Will Employment Contracts Protect My Business?
Employment contracts are a useful way to set expectations of your workers, in writing, from the outset. Overall, it would detail the working relationship between you and your employer. It is also best to include safety procedures that your workers must follow. Having a well-drafted contract will also protect your business from unwanted financial or legal liability in the event of an accident or mishap.
In addition, your employment contracts will protect your business by creating a clear hierarchy between you, as their employer or manager, and your workers. Without a clear hierarchy within your employment contracts, you risk your employees doing whatever job they feel like, ignoring instructions, or failing to give instructions. Furthermore, this lack of structure can leave you and your business liable. Indeed, it is your job to ensure that your workplace meets safety standards and that workers follow outlined procedures.
What to Include in Your Bricklayer Employment Contracts
Duties and Responsibilities
Clearly setting out your employees’ duties and responsibilities, including workplace health and safety requirements, will ensure that your employees are aware of your expectations while they work for your business.
Probation
Your employment contracts can include a probation period (commonly three or six months). A prohibition period is a trial period of employment where you can assess how suitable a person is for the role.
Hours of Work and Place of Work
Your employment contracts should also specify your employees’ hours and place of work. Setting parameters around these details will eliminate confusion around your expectations, particularly when it comes to their travel requirements for work.
Termination
Additionally, it is essential to include a clause regarding termination in your employment contracts. The clause should note the notice period that is required by either party to effect termination. The termination clause should also note any circumstances where you can end an employee’s employment without notice. Notably, you should only consider termination without notice in circumstances of serious misconduct.
Return of Property and Property Access
It is also helpful to include a clause about the return of property and property access. Indeed, explicitly note that your employees must return all property at the end of their employment, like tools or uniforms.
As an employer, understand your essential employment obligations with this free LegalVision factsheet.
Key Takeaways
If you are looking to create a bricklaying business or expand your already existing business, remember to focus on your bricklayer employment contracts. Clear and concise employment contracts will ensure that your employees comply with safety procedures and listen to their supervisors. All of these factors assist your bricklaying business in becoming more efficient and profitable. Without an employment contract, you risk opening your business to legal and financial liability.
If you need help with drafting an employment contract, our experienced employment lawyers can assist as part of our LegalVision membership. For a low monthly fee, you will have unlimited access to lawyers to answer your questions and draft and review your documents. Call us today on 1300 544 755 or visit our membership page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whilst it is not a legal requirement to have a formal contract, a written contract is valuable to ensure that your business is protected from potential liability if the employment relationship breaks down.
Your employment contract should set out your employees’ obligations and responsibilities. The contract should include (but is not limited to) duties and responsibilities, hours of work, termination notice and return of property.
Employment contracts ensure the smooth running of your bricklaying business. This is because a well-written employment contract will clearly define the relationship between each of your employees. Additionally, it ensures that all employees are clear on their roles and any chain of command.
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