Employing a part timer - advice needed.

[Naomia]

Hi All,

We currently have a network of websites that support or two main sites. In the near future, we are opening 3 more sites and to be honest the maintenance is now getting to the point where we need help. The problem is that we don't have the first idea on what we need to do to employ someone on a part time basis.

Is there any way we can employ someone and 'see how it goes' without any strings attached? We are a small company and worried about all the extra admin/rules that are associated with employing someone. Is there any way round this just until we settle down a bit more structurally and financially?

Basically we can offer a very flexible time/day position so should be attractive to someone.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

P.S we have a home office, will that be a big turn off for a part time employee?

 

[gordano]

For employment it is always advisable to seek professional advice. If you join an organisation such as the IoD or FSB (it does not cost much) you will be able to get legal advice for employment (amongst other support).

Failure to follow the right steps could leave you exposed if you decide to later dismiss or make redundant.

 

[carriemc]

Do you really need to employ someone or could you find a company or self employed individual who might be able to do what you require?

 

[Officebird]

You may be able to find a particularly techie VA that can work on a PAYG basis which could be a good move as you can then hand things over to someone that needs your business to prosper in order for theirs to.

If you are going down the route of having someone present in the office I would consider either a casual, no guaranteed hours contract to start with while you see what they are like, or a contract that determines a set probationary period of say 3 months so you have a get out if you need one.

When I took Hannah on I told her it would just be ad hoc and gave her a contract that basically said that. When I realised how great she was I gave her a new contract for set hours, she is now an apprentice and things are going great.

 

[Naomia]

Gordano - thanks for the advice. will look into the FSB
carriemc - Yes i do. Too many small projects which an external company will chatge per project and will end up costing a lot of money.
Officebird - Where and who writes such contracts? We have placed an ad in our local paper and already received some CVs and emails. Also, whats a VA?