Bright Contracts is a software package that has everything you need to create and manage a professional staff handbook and contracts of employment. Getting these in place has traditionally been an expensive, complicated and time-consuming process. Bright Contracts makes it quick and easy.
Without employee contracts in place, an employer is risking large settlements in the case of staff disputes, and fines in the case of regulatory inspections. Having contracts also clearly defines the contractual relationship between you and your employees. Bright Contracts is the easiest way to get sorted.
Single employer, unlimited employees | €249 |
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Multiple employers, unlimited employees | €349 |
Phone/email support | Free |
Price is per user and subject to VAT. Price covers 12 months full use from date of activation.
Let us show you around the software’s functionality and how to create and customise your personal contracts of employment and company handbook.
To book an online demo click here
Under the Employment Act 2019, it is now a criminal offence for employers not to have contracts of employment in place for their staff. Watch our 2 minute video to find out how Bright Contracts can help.
Our regular employment law webinars will keep you up to date with the topical HR issues that our employers face day to day.
To view our upcoming webinars click here
To view our webinars on demand click here
Bright Contracts is teeming with useful functionality, from the obvious to the obscure. Yet it delivers it all in a neat, easy to use package. You'll wonder how you ever managed without it.
Bright Contracts does not set a limit on the number of employees you can add. And there are no confusing price brackets that depend on the number of employees you have.
Use the suggested content or customise it to your needs. Add pre-defined sections or add your own proprietary sections. Re-arrange as required.
Create a contract for each employee and record when they are signed. Archive old contracts. Base one contract on another for rapid creation.
With full control over cover pages, logos, headers, footers, fonts, colours, and more, you can ensure your documents match your corporate identity, or just simply make them look how you want.
Before you print a handbook or contract, you can see an accurate on-screen preview of how it will look on page. Scroll, zoom and pan controls make it simple and flexible.
An employee is flagged red if he or she does not have a handbook or contract. An employee is flagged amber if he or she has an out of date handbook or soon to expire contract.
The summary screen gives you an overview of handbooks in use, recent handbook updates, who does and doesn't have a handbook, and who does and doesn't have a current signed contract.
Not everyone is an employment law expert. If you're not sure what to enter for a certain field, or you're not 100% sure what something means, click the handy tip icon for an inline explanation.
Employment law legislation changes over time. When it does, and the Bright Contracts handbook or contract template changes, you'll be made aware of the adjustment, which you can accept with a single click.
Expand the services you offer or add a new revenue stream to your business wih the Bureau version of Bright Contracts, which allows you to create handbooks and contracts for unlimited employers and employees.
Bright Contracts partners with professional bodies and groups to create bespoke contracts and handbooks. Industry customisation is an excellent value added member offering for any professional group.
DMC Foods Limited, a consumer foods business and ready meal manufacturer, successfully defended an Unfair Dismissal claim raised by Daniel Murtagh, a Warehouse Operative who was dismissed after using a mobile phone while operating a forklift. This case highlights the legal backing given to employers who follow clear, reasonable and legally compliant procedures.
Background
An investigation opened after the Production Manager received a complaint that Mr Murtagh was operating a forklift while using a mobile phone. An external party conducted the investigation, which included CCTV evidence and Mr Murtagh admitting to using the phone. Following the investigation, Mr Murtagh was invited to a Disciplinary Hearing, in which he was not apologetic but attempted to justify his actions. The Managing Director decided the seriousness of the health and safety breach, and the employee’s current written warning for a separate conduct incident, justified dismissal.
Mr Murtagh brought a claim of Unfair Dismissal, alleging that he was unfairly singled out and dismissed for using the phone, when it was common practice, and he was not driving ‘at speed’. His evidence included two statements from former colleagues, one of whom admitted to using a phone while their forklift was stationary, and the other who explained he had left the company after being informed of an investigation into his mobile phone use. Mr Murtagh conceded the use of a phone while operating a forklift was a dangerous practice.
Health and Safety Authority guidance to employers confirms that mobile phones should never be used while operating a forklift. The employer defended the claim by describing how the dismissal was procedurally fair, in line with the Code of Practice on Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures, and the dismissal outcome was proportionate with the seriousness of the health and safety breach.
WRC Decision
The WRC Adjudication Officer considered the evidence from both parties then determined that the use of the phone was ‘extremely dangerous’ and therefore justified a dismissal for the reason of conduct, and the procedure followed was reasonable. He concluded that the dismissal was fair.
Takeaways for Employers
Employers should feel confident about following fair and reasonable procedures to address safety concerns. Clear, reliable policies help to protect the best interests of employees and employers.
Bright Contracts provides employers with template HR documents which can be easily tailored to your specific needs. Our resources include comprehensive policies, helpful guidance notes, and useful supporting documents. Visit our website or talk to a member of our team to find out more about the support we offer.