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Employing people

For small businesses and start-ups, taking additional members of staff is a big step. It brings added responsibility and cost, so it needs to be given a great deal of thought.

Employing people - Things to consider

  • Decide how much to pay – you must pay your employees at least the national minimum wage
  • Check if the candidate has the legal right to work in the UK and be aware you may have to do other additional employment checks
  • Apply for a DBS check (formally known as a CRB check) if you work in a field that requires one e.g. with vulnerable people or security
  • Think about operating a hybrid working business model. Look at setting up a structure where your workforce can work from home and in the office. This can save costs and also help you meet your decarbonisation plans
  • Ensure there is Health and Wellbeing support. Think about introducing Health and Wellbeing champions into your workforce and ensure colleagues are comfortable having these discussions
  • Get employment insurance – you need employers liability insurance as soon as you become an employer
  • Send details of the job (including terms and conditions) in writing to your employee. You need to give your employee a written statement of employment if you are employing someone for more than one month
  • Tell HM Revenue and Customs (HRMC) by registering as an employer. You can do this up to 4 weeks before you pay your new staff.

Encouraging applications from disabled people can be advantageous to your business as it can:

  • Increase the number of high quality applicants
  • Develop a diverse workforce that reflects the diversity of your clients
  • Bring additional skills to your business
  • The costs of accommodating disabled employees are often low.

Employment Allowance

Small business employers can get £5000 from April 2022, by claiming this relief on National Insurance bills. Employment Allowance is for nearly all employers that pay Class One National Insurance contributions on their employees’ and directors’ earnings. This includes businesses and charities.

The Disability Confidence Scheme

This scheme encourages employers to think differently about disability and take action to improve how they recruit, retain, and develop disabled people. By signing up to this it shows your company is an equal opportunity employer attracting more talent and increasing diversity.

Futures free database

If you’re looking to recruit but are struggling to find the right people, Futures may be able to help. They can identify if there are any suitably skilled and available local people from their talent pool to meet your needs. Futures free service works across Nottinghamshire. So before you go to a recruitment company and think about spending money to build your workforce, drop them an email and see how they can help.

Nottinghamshire opportunities

Another way to recruit staff is by placing your vacancies on this new web platform from Nottinghamshire Country Council. It targets individuals across the county and helps businesses and training providers to showcase courses, apprenticeships and jobs.

Talentview Construction

Talentview Construction is a free online platform that's Government backed and CITB industry levy funded, specially designed to help young people find their first jobs - apprenticeships, traineeships and work experience in construction and the built environment. Employers can showcase their business to talented new recruits. Upload all your early career vacancies, including traineeships, apprenticeships and graduate jobs, and search for suitable candidates and directly contact students and apprentices, as well as connecting more closely with schools, universities and construction colleges.

Carers in employment initiative

This is a free scheme which supports Nottinghamshire organisations and works closely with your HR teams and senior managers to help retain staff who, due to their unpaid caring responsibilities may be at risk of leaving the workforce. They can also help you to recruit more unpaid carers into employment. If you would like to see how this scheme can add value to your recruitment and productivity targets, then please contact Jayne Davies, Employer Engagement Worker.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are a great way for employers to nurture their own talent. They also provide an excellent route for people to enter the labour market allowing individuals to train on the job and gain a qualification at the same time. They have become a key government policy in the UK. Since April 2017 large employers in the UK have been required to pay an apprenticeship levy and other employers are required to contribute some of the costs.

Ashfield District Council's business support team are aware of the local apprenticeship providers and are happy to make named introductions based on your needs.

Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)

If you are looking to employ people, then it’s useful to speak to the local DWP / Job Centre engagement team. They can tell you about any available grants, and help you to advertise so that you can find the right people to fill your vacancies as quickly as possible.

Local jobs fairs

Most local authorities will run local jobs fairs and are happy for businesses to express their interest to attend these. This is free, so if you would like to find out what your local authority has planned then contact their business support teams – see the Council Events Page for how to contact our team.

Upcoming job fairs

  • 29 November 2023: Derby Jobs Fair, 10am to 1pm, Pride Park Stadium, Derby, DE24 8XL

You can also find Job fairs and careers events across the UK using the UK Career Fair or the Eventbrite platform

Help with redundancies

Rapid Response Service

If you must make redundancies, Job Centre Plus can give you and your employees support and advice through their Rapid Response Service.

Ashfield District Council - Career boost

Did you know that we can support individuals with finding employment? Please take a look at our career boost pages.

HMRC Help and support email service

If you would like to stay informed and receive regular updates from HRMC you can register online and  manage specific topic subscriptions. HRMC also have an Employer Bulletin which is bi-monthly magazine for employers and agents, providing up to date information on payroll topics.

Page last updated: 22 November 2023