Taking on first employee

[carsmarco252]

Time has come for a regular member. I can't keep going at it alone. I've had plenty of subbies over the years but they eventually move on and I'm at the point now where I have too much work and zero help. 

I'm thinking a labourer for now part time and train them up if they want to stay. I have a friend in H.R who can sort the employment side of things, my account can sort wages etc for £3.50 a month. What I really need help with is initial training. For now I want a labourer to clean, drag, and with time get them on the hedge cutter and using my mini chipper. Will they need to go on an nptc course just to use my mini chipper or is that overkill? I think for ladders and lifting etc I can probably download something and get them to read and sign. 

It will only be myself and the one new employee working. 

[Jamie Jones]

I would get them NPTC qualified as this will prove, meet HSE PEWER regs, and meet employee insurance needs. If you train them and they injure themselves they could blame your training. You would obviously have to give some orientation training to your own equipment..

[maybelateron]

My advice would be to focus above anything else on taking on the right person, who will be reliable, work hard, and be enjoyable to work with. If they are any good they will be able to be trained and get their tickets. I would suggest initially giving them a short term fixed (6 months/1year) contract, which can then be made a permanent contract if all goes well.