The employees have to work diligently and carefully and honestly, and these terms are implied into the contract without needing to be described there. On the other hand, the employer had duties to the employees and will hit stormy weather if he does not act reasonably and fairly. There are also statutory terms that the contract cannot override.

You have to provide a safe place of work, and must take care not to put the employee's health and welfare at risk. And employees are entitled not to be discriminated against, or to have to suffer degrading treatment.

Part time workers are entitled to be treated on the same basis as full timers, so for example you must pay them holiday pay (pro rata). Employees are entitled to sick pay, maternity pay and leave of absence for family reasons.

A pregnant woman also has the right to time off for ante-natal care, and the right to return to work after having the baby (if she has 1 years service), so think carefully about who you are going to employ and the impact absence could have on your business.

There are only limited rights to monitor 'phone calls and e-mails. And employees have the right to join a trade union if they wish. So don't make waves about that.

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