Essential points
- An employment contract, which sets out the terms and conditions of employment, is a key factor in defining the relationship between an organisation and its employees.
- An employer must provide both employees and workers with a statement of their basic terms such as the hours they will work, how much they will be paid, their holiday entitlement, their place of work, whether they must work a probationary period and so on, on their first day of employment.
- An employer must provide a more extensive written statement of the employee's or worker’s wider terms including pension eligibility, any collective agreements which will affect the employment relationship, any non-compulsory training that will be provided, and details on discipline and grievance procedures within two months of them starting work.
- An employment contract contains both express terms agreed between the employer and employee, and implied terms which arise from legislation or common law, or which are implied by custom and practice.
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Disclaimer
Please note: While every care has been taken in compiling this content, CIPD cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. These notes are not intended to be a substitute for specific legal advice.
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