What exactly does a labour manager do and when do you need one?
The labour manager is a qualified professional who has a key importance in companies, whether large or small. We explain what it does and when you need it.
The functions of a labour manager
First of all, labour managers are in charge of the company’s labour policy.
For example, they manage the registration and deregistration of workers in Social Security.
In addition, they are responsible for drafting employment contracts, dismissal letters, payrolls, supplements and compensation.
Likewise, they also manage the holidays, with the agreement of the management. And, finally, they are in charge of processing sick leave or retirement and early retirement.
Of course, when we talk about management, we mean to execute what the CEO or owners indicate beforehand.
The manager can warn before (and must) if something contravenes the legislation or not, but, ultimately, he fulfils orders.
The notices can be useful if you want to better adjust the hiring or labour policy to your needs.
2. Relations with the Labour Inspectorate
Labour Inspection can perform surprise or planned actions. In both cases, the labour manager is the representative of the company in these actions and is the one who provides the documentation.
He will also be in charge, if necessary, of managing all the documents with Social Security and with the Ministry or regional ministry of Labour.
This part is essential, because there are technical aspects that managers do not know with the same level of detail.
3. Advice for labour policy
The labour manager is also an advisor. Let’s remember that the last word is always the management or ownership of the company. However, a manager maintains fluid communication to suggest the best hiring or dismissal formulas. He also provides advice to comply with labour regulations. Therefore, it is a fundamental piece in the company’s organisation chart, whether internal or external. In SMEs it is usually outsourced, in larger companies that function is internalised.
Counselling work has a preventive function: it avoids problems or prevents them. And if a manager is also an advisor, he offers added value to companies. In recent years, there has been a tendency to confuse these positions, when they don’t have to.
4. Submission of pleadings and allegations
Finally, the request for subsidies and bonuses is another of the functions performed by the labour manager, as well as the presentation of writings and allegations. In the event that a company can benefit, it is the one who drafts the applications or presents allegations when appropriate. If there is any sanction, debt claim or Social Security requirement, the representative of the company will be the one who presents all the required documentation.
Labour documentation can be, in some cases, sly. The managers know the legislation, the Administrative Procedure and the deadlines for submission and appeal. This provides reliability and, above all, reduces the options of problems or formal defects in the management of documentation.
When you need a labour manager
The labour manager is a professional that you will need if you have a business in general, whether or not you have employees. For example, if you are self-employed and do not have employees, you may need it whenever you have a place or warehouse, because in both cases Labour can carry out inspections.
Obviously, the need is greater the larger the dimensions of the companies. However, sometimes it is too expensive to internalise the service. If this is your case, there are agencies and business consultants that can carry out this work and present the necessary documentation. It is a common practice in SMEs, so you can count on that help for reduced costs. Of course, it is highly recommended that whoever manages this work externally is prepared and has a reliable track record.
In short, if you don’t want to have problems for labour or contractual issues, it’s best to be well advised. And here the manager brings added value and avoids sanctions and future litigation.
Hire a specialised advisor
The labour manager has an important responsibility, so he must be a qualified and reliable professional. At Asesoría Orihuela Costa we provide you with a specialised service in labour law and business advice. Contact us without obligation!
