Contrary to common popular belief, an employer doesn’t have to provide an employee with a contract of employment.
However, they must provide an employee with a statement of their main terms and conditions within 2 months of the employment commencing (or within 1 month of any change).
Most employers do decide to issue contracts of employment as they can cover much more than the basic requirements of the mandatory statement of terms, for example, restrictive covenants.
When starting a new job or changing roles, it’s essential to make sure you understand what the contract says – and to make sure that there aren’t any surprises.
When issues arise, we can help you interpret the policies and procedures your employer has in place and can advise you on how your employer should be dealing with those issues. This arises most often in relation to cases where an employee is sick, or there is a disciplinary or grievance issue or the employer is undertaking performance management. We have advised and supported employees in all sectors as to the policies and procedures their employer has put in place and the way in which they are implemented.