Hiring your first employee in the UK: the complete checklist

Taking on your first employee is a big step — and a legal one. Here's the complete checklist UK small businesses need to get it right.

Before you advertise

Be clear on the role and write a job description and person specification. A structured, consistent recruitment process (same questions, same scoring for every candidate) protects you against discrimination claims.

The legal essentials

1. Register as an employer with HMRC. Do this before the first payday — it can take up to a few working days, and you'll need to run PAYE payroll.

2. Check their right to work in the UK. Carry out and record a right-to-work check for every new hire before they start. A correct check gives you a statutory defence against a civil penalty.

3. Get employers' liability insurance. It's a legal requirement for most employers, usually with at least £5 million cover.

4. Give a written contract on or before day one. The written statement of particulars is a day-one legal requirement.

5. Set up a workplace pension. Automatic enrolment duties apply from your employee's first day if they're eligible.

To start them off well

Have a simple onboarding plan: a day-one checklist, an induction, and a probation period with clear review points. New starters who feel set up properly are far more likely to stay.

That's a lot to coordinate the first time. Our Hiring Your First Employee kit walks you from job advert to signed contract and a great first week — all UK-compliant and editable.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. For significant or contentious matters, seek advice from a qualified employment-law professional or ACAS (0300 123 1100).

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