What is an Employment Contract

• There is no legal requirement to have a written contract, it can be verbal
• Terms can be implied if not agreed e.g. “don’t steal from us” or “we will keep you safe”
• Terms can be in the employee handbook, or on the Staff Noticeboard
• Terms can be in the offer letter
• Most of the basic Terms of Employment are already dictated by legislation

Written statement of employment particulars
An employer must give employees and workers a document stating the main conditions of employment when they start work. This is known as a ‘written statement of employment particulars’. It is not an employment contract.

In summary, this statement will include basic details such as the person’s name, wage, hours of work, holidays, place of work, length of employment, probation, benefits and training.

Click HERE for a free Template from ACAS

Contract of Employment

• You should always have a written Employment Contract, with the Terms of Employment clearly defined
• A clear contract lays out responsibilities and commitments and will avoid unnecessary disputes
• This allows an opportunity for the Employer to clarify key terms; include additional clauses; and ensure that everything is covered