The Taking on an Employee toolkit, found on the Business Link website, explains an employer’s core legal obligations and includes information on setting pay, getting the right insurance, understanding tax requirements and checking a new employee’s right to work in the UK.

This has been established in response to feedback from the Red Tape Challenge consultation which suggested that the current guidance was too complex, that the information was not readily available and that it was unclear where to find it.

In addition, a myth busters document has been published alongside the online toolkit for first-time employers which aims to address some common misconceptions about hiring a member of staff. This document includes helpful advice on registering with HMRC, anti-discrimination laws, dismissal rules, setting up payrolls and probation periods. Also available from the site will be information about Government support, financial and otherwise, to encourage employers to take on their first employee.

This year the Government is running the Business in You campaign to encourage more people to start or grow their business throughout 2012 using a range of existing support services.