Journey
Hire your first employee
Become an employer step by step: check the person is an employee, register with HMRC, insure, check their right to work, give them written terms, set up a pension and payroll, and meet your health and safety duties.
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Check they will be an employee
Whether someone is an employee, a worker or self-employed decides which of these duties apply.
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Register with HMRC
Register as an employer before your first payday to get your employer PAYE reference.
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Get employers' liability insurance
A legal requirement as soon as you become an employer.
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Check their right to work
Check that the person is allowed to work for you in the UK before you employ them.
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Get a DBS check if the role needs one
Roles such as healthcare or childcare can need a more detailed criminal record check.
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Give them written terms
Give the main written statement on day one and the rest within 2 months.
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Set up a workplace pension
Your pension duties begin on the day your first member of staff starts work.
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Set up payroll
Report pay to HMRC on or before each payday.
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Meet your health and safety duties
Assess the risks of the work, and write your policy down once you have 5 employees.
Related journeys
Manage your employees
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Start a healthcare business
Launch a healthcare or social care business with CQC registration