Concern with Employer

[Lucky4Seven]

So, my husband's employer wants staff to sign a new handbook of guidelines and procedures (similar to a contract of employment), but we have concerns.

Claiming to want to use CCTV footage in respect of disciplinary procedures - staff are aware that the employer regularly observes staff through the cameras.
Wanting employees to refrain from excessive use of mobile phones, only to be used in breaks/lunchtimes only - we feel this is rather childish and unacceptable in case of emergency
Saying to provide PPE - my husband has never been offered any protective clothing for his job
Claims that pay will be monitored yearly - no payrise at all offered this year, and in the past 6 years without payrise, my husband will only be 39p next year above minimum wage for a skilled welding job.
Drugs policy is a joke, says they can order a drugs test, yet in a disciplinary conduct last year, husband demanded in writing that an employee was forced to undertake drugs test as in their guidelines, employer failed to respond

Can my husband refuse to sign this due to the above concerns?

[ULA]

Most companies have a separate handbook containing policies, procedures and guidelines the majority of which are normally non-contractual.

Signing a document is again normally about the employee confirming that they have seen /can access a copy of the handbook and where relevant will adhere to them.

[Lucky4Seven]

Most companies have a separate handbook containing policies, procedures and guidelines the majority of which are normally non-contractual.

Signing a document is again normally about the employee confirming that they have seen /can access a copy of the handbook and where relevant will adhere to them.

The thing is, my husband doesn't agree with some of the contents of the handbook as I've outlined above. Can he refuse to sign it.

[PallasAthena]

In general an employer's internal policies and staff handbook don't need the employee's agreement and will apply whether the employee signs it or not.

If your husband has substantive reasons for not liking it - eg it says things contrary to his contract of employment, or he believes it contains things not compliant with employment law - then he should raise it with his union if there is one, or if not discuss his concerns informally with HR and subsequently has the option of bringing a formal grievance.