Small business guides > A complete guide to hiring staff > Make it official – register as an employer
Make it official – register as an employer
Once you’ve got a hiring strategy in place, it’s time to register yourself as an employer. This may take time, so start the process as early as possible.
Here’s what you need to do:
Register online with HMRC.
- It usually takes up to five days to get your employer pay-as-you-earn (PAYE) reference number. Make sure to register at least two weeks before you start paying your employees, but not too far out as you can’t register more than two months before the first payday.
Understand employment law
The entire employment process is governed by certain laws, so understand them before you begin hiring. Speak with an employment lawyer for specific advice or check a government site to learn more about employment laws and how to comply with them.
The gov.uk page on employing people has some helpful guides on workplace laws.
Chapter 3: Write a job description and promote it
Need to write a job description? We’ll show you how to attract the best candidates for the job and give you ideas on advertising your job opening.
Read chapter 3All chapters:
1. The hiring process: how to hire staff
2. Make it official – register as an employer
3. Write a job description and promote it
4. The selection process – from interview to job offer
5. Check your employer responsibilities
6. Get started with employee forms and onboarding
7. Run payroll for your employees
8. Manage employee evaluations