Welcome to Northgate Engineering Services Ltd. We are delighted that you have joined our team and hope that your time with us will be both rewarding and fulfilling. This handbook sets out the key policies, procedures, and standards that govern our working environment. It is intended to give you a clear picture of what you can expect from us and what we expect from you. Please read it carefully and keep it for reference throughout your employment. This handbook does not form part of your contract of employment. The company reserves the right to amend any policy set out herein at any time, subject to appropriate consultation. The most current version will always be available on the HR intranet portal.

2.1 Equal Opportunities Northgate Engineering Services is committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees and job applicants. We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. 2.2 Probationary Period All new employees are subject to a six-month probationary period. During this time, performance and conduct will be monitored closely. The company may extend the probationary period or terminate employment if performance or conduct does not meet the required standard. 2.3 Working Hours Core working hours are Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 17:00, with a 30-minute unpaid lunch break. Flexible working arrangements may be agreed in writing with your line manager and HR. 2.4 Pay and Salary Review Salaries are paid monthly by BACS transfer on the last working day of each month. Annual salary reviews take place in April each year; any increase is discretionary and subject to individual performance and business conditions.

All employees are expected to conduct themselves with professionalism, honesty, and integrity at all times. The following behaviours are required: - Treat all colleagues, clients, and business partners with courtesy and respect. - Maintain confidentiality in relation to company information, client data, and personal data of colleagues. - Avoid any actual or perceived conflicts of interest; disclose potential conflicts to your line manager promptly. - Use company assets, including IT systems, vehicles, and equipment, only for legitimate business purposes. - Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and company policies. - Do not make unauthorised commitments or enter into contracts on behalf of the company. Breaches of the code of conduct may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

Northgate Engineering Services offers a competitive benefits package, which includes: - Pension: Employer contribution of 6% into a qualifying workplace pension scheme; employee minimum contribution of 3%. - Private Medical Insurance: Individual cover provided through AXA Health from the date of joining; family cover available at a subsidised premium. - Life Assurance: Death-in-service benefit of four times annual base salary. - Annual Leave: 25 days per year, rising to 28 days after five years' continuous service, plus UK public holidays. - Cycle to Work: Interest-free salary sacrifice scheme for bicycles and cycling equipment. - Employee Assistance Programme: Confidential 24/7 support line covering mental health, financial, and legal advice. - Professional Development: Support for relevant professional qualifications and membership fees, subject to line manager approval.

5.1 Annual Leave Annual leave must be agreed in advance with your line manager and booked via the HR system. A maximum of five days may be carried over into the next leave year; carried-over days expire on 31 March. 5.2 Sickness Absence If you are unable to attend work due to illness, you must notify your line manager by telephone before your normal start time on the first day of absence. A self-certification form must be completed for absences of up to seven calendar days. A fit note from a GP is required for any absence exceeding seven calendar days. 5.3 Maternity, Paternity, and Shared Parental Leave The company provides statutory maternity pay and leave entitlements in accordance with current UK legislation. Enhanced maternity pay of 90% of average weekly earnings is provided for the first 16 weeks for employees with at least one year's continuous service. Please contact HR for full details. 5.4 Other Leave Compassionate leave of up to five days with full pay may be granted on the death of an immediate family member. Jury service leave will be granted; the company will make up the difference between jury service allowance and normal pay for a maximum of 10 working days.

The company's disciplinary procedure is designed to ensure that all employees are treated fairly and consistently when concerns arise about conduct or performance. The procedure follows these stages: Stage 1 — Informal Discussion: For minor issues, the line manager will hold an informal discussion to address the concern and agree on corrective action. Stage 2 — Formal Investigation: Where informal resolution is not possible, or where the matter is sufficiently serious, a formal investigation will be conducted. The employee will be notified in writing and invited to a disciplinary hearing with appropriate notice. Stage 3 — Disciplinary Hearing: The employee has the right to be accompanied by a trade union representative or work colleague. Following the hearing, the outcome may be: no further action, a written warning, a final written warning, or dismissal. Stage 4 — Appeal: The employee may appeal against any disciplinary outcome within five working days of receiving the written decision. Gross misconduct, including theft, fraud, violence, and serious breaches of data protection, may result in summary dismissal without notice.

I, the undersigned, acknowledge that I have received, read, and understood the contents of this Employee Handbook. I agree to comply with all policies and procedures set out herein.