How do I write an Employment Contract UK?

If you are an employer in the United Kingdom, you will need to have a written employment contract (also known as a written statement of main terms) with each of your employees. This document will outline the terms and conditions of the employee’s job, and protect both the employer and the employee in case of any disputes. In this blog post, we will discuss how to write employment contracts. 

What is an Employment Contract?

An employment contract is a legally binding agreement between an employer and their employee. It outlines the responsibilities, expectations, and requirements of the employment relationship. A contract typically includes information such as job role, pay, and working hours. Depending on the nature of the organisation or situation, employment contracts may contain additional clauses such as payment schedules or other terms of employment. A written employment contract can help to protect both parties in case any disputes arise over the course of employment. Having a clearly defined employment contract protects employers from potential litigation as it outlines what an employee has agreed to when entering into said employment agreement. Furthermore, a well-defined employment contract allows both parties to have peace of mind in knowing what roles and rights each party holds in the professional relationship.

What should be included in an Employment Contract UK?

If you are looking for an employment contract UK template, there are several key pieces of information that must be included. Details regarding the employee’s job role, primary duties and the duration of employment should be clearly outlined, as well as any salary information or benefits such as healthcare or holiday entitlements. Furthermore, the employment contract must include possible grounds for termination and guidelines around confidentiality – both to protect employees as well as employers.

Finally, all specific agreements made in writing surrounding employees’ contracts should be signed and dated by both parties to ensure clarity between the employee and employer.  Employers must make sure that their legal obligations are fulfilled when writing employment contracts. Having a comprehensive template is therefore important to ensure that all regulatory standards have been taken into consideration.

How do you write an Employment Contract UK specific to your business needs?

Writing an employment contract that meets the specific needs of any business can be a difficult task. It is important to take into account all relevant legislation, as well as your own company policies when creating this contract, so it should not be taken lightly. If you do not feel particularly confident or knowledgeable in this area, allow a professional to write this contract for you.

You can outsource the process by hiring a company like us here at Harwood HR which specialises in the writing of UK-specific employment contracts. We will be up to date on any recent legal changes and will be able to tailor make a document that suits the exact needs of your business, ensuring that it conforms with UK legislation at all times. By approaching this process carefully and seeking professional advice when necessary, you can guarantee both yourself and your future employee’s fair treatment for years to come.

When do I need to get a Contract Signed?

Since 6 April 2020, the Employment Rights Regulations 2018 confirms employees are entitled to receive the written statement from day one of their employment and it should not be given any later than their first day.  Therefore, sending out a copy of an employment contract before employment begins gives time for the employee to review and take appropriate legal advice before signing the contract if they wish. Furthermore, having an employment contract signed as soon as possible means any disputes or misunderstandings can be more easily addressed in a timely manner. For this reason, it is always advisable to get an employment contract signed at the earliest opportunity.

Benefits

Writing a comprehensive employment contract is essential for any business. Employment contracts reduce the risk of tribunal claims from employees. They can also provide healthy working relationships, as they establish the expectations and responsibilities of both parties, making it clear what would be considered unacceptable for an employee to do. Additionally, protecting your business’s confidential information with a confidentiality clause helps ensure that sensitive materials such as customer data aren’t leaked in any way. Employees also have the benefit of understanding their rights within the company and being able to refer back to the terms of their contract if they ever feel they are treated unfairly or if circumstances change. Writing Employment Contracts provides protection from unexpected legal claims and ensures your business won’t be breaking any employment laws.

If you need assistance drafting or reviewing an employment contract UK, please do not hesitate to contact our team of HR experts and consultants at Harwood HR.