UKEmployment & HRLegally Required
Employment Contract
Written statement of employment particulars for each employee.
What this document covers
Every employee must receive a written statement of their main employment terms on or before their first day of work. Since April 2020, this is a day-one right. The document must include specified particulars such as pay, hours, holiday, sick pay, notice periods, and job description.
Key sections included
- Employer and employee details
- Job title and description
- Start date and continuous employment
- Pay and deductions
- Working hours
- Holiday entitlement
- Sick pay
- Notice periods
- Pension
- Disciplinary and grievance procedures
Frequently asked questions
When must I give the employee their contract?
On or before their first day of employment. Since April 2020, this is a day-one right — not within 2 months as it was previously.
Do I need one for zero-hours staff?
Yes. Zero-hours workers are still entitled to a written statement of terms. The contract should state there's no guarantee of work.
Document details
- Legal basis
- Employment Rights Act 1996, Section 1
- Enforced by
- Employment Tribunal
- Penalty for absence
- Employment tribunal can award 2-4 weeks' pay as compensation for failure to provide a written statement.
- Category
- Employment & HR
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