Employment Contracts
Keeping employers and their people safe and legal
Why is it necessary?
Everyone must have been given a contract within two months of their start date it doesnt matter if you a fulltime, part time, contract or even a casual employee. This is a legal requirement often overlooked and it can lead to tribunal proceedings even if the employee is still a member of your staff.
How to write an employment contract?
The basics are quite simple you have to make an offer and it has to be accepted verbally will do although it obviously makes more sense to lay out the contract details on a written document and for either side to sign and date it.
A contract must cover the following:
The employer and employees name if the employer is a company, the company name
The date the employment began
Job title and brief description
The rate of pay and date of payments
The working hours
Holiday entitlement policy
Sick leave and sick pay schemes
Retirement Policy
Maternity and Associated policies including adoption and parental leave
Pension schemes
Address of premises and whether employee would be required to travel elsewhere
The length of employment if not permanent and if any probationary periods are involved
The Discipline procedure
The Grievance procedure
Any Collective bargaining agreements which may affect the contract
Governing law
There are other items which can either be covered in the contract document or to be found in the company handbook which may involve items such as:
Equal Opportunities policy Health and Safety Policy
Training Policy
How to deal with expenses
Appearance
Timekeeping
Data Protection
Whistleblowing
Confidentiality
Use of company equipment, vehicles, phones and laptops etc
Detailed Grievance and Disciplinary procedures
Drugs and Alcohol policies
Diversification
Policies
Where can I get help?
Drawing up a contract can lead to difficulties later if it is not done properly and you dont fully reflect your expectations from your employees. The easiest way is to sit down with an expert like me who is covered by a professional indemnity policy tell them what you want and get them to do it. Contact me at mnewman@ukemploymentlawadvice.co.uk for more guidance.
Michael Newman | SM Services | T: 020 8502 0846 | E: mnewman@ukemploymentlawadvice.co.uk