Book excerpt: The Employer's Handbook has established itself as a source of reliable, unambiguous guidance for for all small- to medium-sized employers, clearly identifying the legal essentials and best-practice guidelines for effective people management. The book is a comprehensive source of hands-on advice on the increasingly complex legal framework now governing UK employment law, including guidelines on age discrimination legislation and the latest employment tribunal procedures. Coverage includes: recruitment, contracts, benefits, performance management, maternity and paternity rights, personnel records and data protection, terminating employment, and ensuring the health, safety and welfare of employees. It also provides access to downloadable templates, forms and policy documents for dealing with key employment issues.