Which HR policies are legally required?

There is no universal mandatory handbook for every small business. Specific duties still apply: employees and workers need written employment particulars, and employers with five or more employees must put their health and safety policy in writing.

The GOV.UK written-statement guidance and HSE policy guidance explain those requirements. A handbook does not replace individual employment terms.

Which policies should a small business prioritise?

  • Discipline and grievances: how concerns are raised, investigated, decided and appealed.
  • Equality and harassment: expected behaviour, reporting routes, prevention and support.
  • Sickness absence: reporting, evidence, pay, contact and return-to-work support.
  • Holiday, family leave and flexible working: requests, decisions and relevant rights.
  • Safety, data and IT: workplace risks, confidential information and appropriate system use.
  • Other working arrangements: expenses, remote working or other rules your team actually needs.

Is a downloaded HR policy enough?

A template is a starting point. Check it against your contracts, actual working practices and legal duties. Remove contradictory rules and promises your managers cannot deliver. Staff need to find the policy and understand who to contact.

The Acas disciplinary and grievance Code sets the minimum standard for those processes. Written wording is only useful if managers follow a fair procedure.

When should you review your handbook?

Review it when law, business risks or working practices change. Check responsibilities and reporting routes, explain updates to staff and train managers where needed. Seek advice before changing a policy that may form part of an employment contract.

For October 2026, check the planned harassment changes in our third-party harassment guide. Reviewing risk controls and training is as important as updating the wording.

A practical place to start

List your existing policies, compare them with contracts and identify the issues managers handle most often. Our HR policy library offers sample documents; Adept HR can help review and adapt them to your organisation.