Am I entitled to have a copy of the employer's handbook and staff rules?

You are entitled by law to receive a written statement of particulars of terms and conditions of employment within 8 weeks of starting work.

For certain terms, namely sickness provisions, pensions, notice periods and certain discipline and grievance matters, your employer can refer you to another document, such as a company handbook, provided you have reasonable access to it.

As the aim of any handbook is to provide information to employees it makes sense for you to be provided with a personal copy.