1 Employment rights and responsibilities of the employee and employer
1.1 Identify the main points of contracts of employment
The main points of an employment contract include;
• job role/description
• hours of work
• salary and date of pay
• holiday entitlement and sick/special leave
• notice periods and grievance procedures
1.2 Identify the main points of legislation affecting employers and employees
Legislation that affects employers and employees include; Employment Rights, National Minimum Wage, Working Time Regulations, Statutory Maternity/Paternity Leave and Pay, Statutory Sick Pay, Equality Act 2010.
1.3 Identify where to find information on employment rights and responsibilities both internally and externally
Internal sources of information;
• Staff Handbook
• HR and also on the organisation’s intranet,
Or alternatively, external sources such as;
• Citizens Advice Bureau,
• Business Link and direct.gov.uk
1.4 Describe how representative bodies can support the employee
Representative bodies such as Citizens Advice and Trade Unions provide impartial advice and support on employment law. Trade Unions provide assistance in matters such as discrimination, health and safety, pensions, redundancy and collective representation.
1.5 Identify employer and employee responsibilities for equality and diversity
All employers have an obligation to ensure the correct policies and procedures are in place relating to equality and discrimination, and to ensure employees have access to the relevant information. Employers have a responsibility to investigate any matters that may arise.
All employees have a responsibility to follow company policies and procedures, to treat others with respect and to report any issues that may arise.
1.6 Explain the benefits of making sure equality and diversity procedures are followed
Ensuring equality and diversity procedures are followed at all times helps to protect employees from discrimination and/or harassment, and helps to promote a productive workforce where the employer/organisation can draw on a diverse range of skills.

2 The purpose of health, safety and security procedures
2.1 Identify employer and employee responsibilities for health, safety and security
Employers have a responsibility to maintain a safe working environment, to carry out risk assessments, ensure machinery and equipment are maintained and to provide information to employees relating to Health and Safety, Data Protection, Equality and Diversity.
Employees have a responsibility to follow company policies and procedures, assess and manage risks and to take reasonable care to maintain a safe working environment for all employees and customers.
2.2 Explain the purpose of following health, safety and security procedures
To ensure a safe environment for employees and customers and to ensure the company is compliant with legislation.
2.3 Identify ways of maintaining a safe and secure environment
Include; keeping work areas clean and tidy, ensuring information is secure, assess and manage any risks efficiently and report any issues that cannot be directly dealt with to the appropriate person.
3 Understand how to communicate effectively with others
3.1 Describe different methods of communication
Effective communication is important to ensure the information is clear and understandable.
Methods of communication include:
• verbal; in person, team meetings and telephone
• in writing; email, fax and letter
3.2 How to choose the most appropriate method of communicating with others
Choosing the most appropriate method of communication requires consideration for the task in hand and the other party’s circumstances, for example, some people may prefer a specific form of communication; a person who regularly works out of the office may prefer an email or letter, as they can attend to matters when convenient for them. Where the communication requires urgent attention, a telephone call would be the