Contracts and written statements of employment
Employers legally must provide a written statement outlining the main terms of employment within eight weeks of your start date - even if you will only be working for them for that length of time. The statement - which could be the letter offering you the job - must include:
- Your name and the name of the employer
- Your start date
- Your rate of pay and when you will be paid
- Your job title or a brief job description
- Your hours of work and any overtime that may be required
- Your sick pay and holiday entitlements
- Your place of work
- The length of notice required to terminate employment
- Information about disciplinary and grievance procedures
- Information about any collective agreements that may affect your employment terms or conditions
- Information about pensions and pension schemes
- If you are not a permanent employee, the statement should tell you how long your employment is expected to continue, or, if you are a fixed-term worker, the date your employment will end
If your employer does not offer something in the list (such as a pension scheme), they must say so in your written statement - the employer cannot just leave it out. The written statement must be clear and correct. You cannot be dismissed for asking for a written statement.
There is no requirement on the employer that a complete written contract be issued, however it is beneficial to have a written contract to ensure everything is understood by both sides.