Do and don't when employing your relatives

The NDNA publishes a useful recruitment pack which contains a sample contract, terms and conditions of service.

* Be fair and be seen to be fair. Beware - some proprietors are so anxious about not seeming to favour their relations at work that they can be too harsh.

* In front of the staff, address each other as the other staff do.

* Do not expect too much of a young, inexperienced relation who comes into the business. Like any other new recruit, he or she is on a steep learning curve.

* Ensure that any promotions or advancements are earned on merit.

* If you promote your relation into the management team, set a clear chain of command. Stick to it. Do not undermine your relation by allowing staff to bypass them and come to you with problems that should rightly be raised with them.

* Be aware that there could well be times when you fundamentally disagree with each other over an issue. Prepare for such an eventuality by discussing beforehand how you would both deal with such difficulties should they arise.

* Try to maintain a clear distinction between home life and work life.

Don't take family matters into work. Inevitably, you might well talk about work issues at home, but learn to limit it.