Employment Contracts

Goughs are the obvious choice when looking for a business contracts lawyer

Why are employment contracts so important?

All employees, regardless of the number of hours they work per week, are entitled to receive a written statement detailing the terms and conditions of employment from their employer, on or before starting work.

Contracts go far beyond the legal necessity, they provide protection and peace of mind to all parties so everyone knows where they stand.

Related reading: What is an employment contract?

What do employment contracts need to include?​

Under Section 1 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, an employment contract must include the following. However, this is by no means an exhaustive list and there are variables that may affect you, your business and your employees so we would strongly advise that you get in contact for further advice and details. For example, for more senior positions you may wish to consider post-termination restrictive clauses.

  • The names of you as the employer and the employee
  • The date of commencement of employment​
  • The amount of pay and the frequency of payment, eg – weekly or monthly​
  • The hours of work​
  • Holiday entitlement​
  • Notice entitlement​
  • The title of the job and where it is based​
  • What the disciplinary, dismissal and grievance procedures are in the workplace​
  • Sickness entitlement​
  • Details and eligibility for the employer’s occupational pension scheme, if there is one​

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