Introduction
Are you unsure about your employment contract or your rights at work? This simple guide will help you understand the key elements of your employment contract, including your role, pay, and statutory rights. If you need further assistance, Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to provide guidance and support, ensuring you navigate your legal challenges with ease. Contend is the Easiest Legal Help in the UK, ready to help you resolve any concerns you may have.
When you start a new job, you’ll usually receive a document known as an employment contract. This contract is an important agreement between you and your employer, outlining your role, responsibilities, pay, and other essential details. Here’s what you need to know about your employment contract and your rights.
What is an Employment Contract?
An employment contract is a legal document that specifies the terms of your employment. It typically includes information like:
- Your job title and description
- Your salary and payment schedule
- Your working hours
- Your holiday entitlement
- Sick leave and sick pay policies
Your employer should provide you with a written statement that summarizes these terms before you start working or on your first day. This document might be labeled as your employment contract.
Your Written Statement
If you’re an employee or a worker (including agency workers), you are entitled to receive a written statement outlining the main terms of your employment. This document should include:
- How much and how often you will be paid
- Your workplace location
- Your working hours
- Holiday allowance
- Sick leave and pay details
If you haven’t received this document, don’t hesitate to ask your employer for one.
Additional Information and Verbal Agreements
Sometimes, important terms might not be included in your written statement but could be found in other documents such as:
- Job advertisements
- Emails or letters sent before you started
- Any signed agreements
- Staff handbooks or company policies
If you’re unsure about what’s included in these documents, it can be helpful to speak with an advisor.
If you made any verbal agreements with your employer, it’s wise to have them documented. You can ask your employer to write it down, or you can send them an email summarizing what you discussed. This will serve as proof in case any issues arise later.
Know Your Statutory Rights
In addition to the terms in your contract, you have certain rights known as statutory rights. These rights are protected by law and include:
- Receiving pay slips
- Earning at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage
- Taking a minimum number of paid holiday days
- Maternity and parental leave
These rights apply to you regardless of what your contract states. For example, your contract cannot offer you fewer holiday days than the legal minimum.
What to Do During Your Probation Period
If you’re in a probation period, check your contract for specific details about your rights during this time. While your employer may have the right to dismiss you more easily during probation, your statutory rights still remain intact.
Addressing Breaches of Contract
If you believe your employer has violated your contract, it’s best to start by discussing the issue directly with them. If that doesn’t lead to a resolution, you can file a grievance.
In serious cases where your employer has significantly breached the contract, you might have the option to resign and pursue a claim for constructive dismissal. It’s important to understand the rules surrounding this process.
Get Help if You Need It
Navigating employment contracts and rights can be tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with legal terms. If you have questions or need assistance, consider trying Contend’s legal expert chat. Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts will work with you to provide guidance and help you understand and resolve your legal problems. Contend is the Easiest Legal Help in the UK.
For more detailed information about employment contracts, you can visit GOV.UK.
By understanding your employment contract and knowing your rights, you can ensure that you are treated fairly in your workplace. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you encounter any issues.
For more info, check out some of our related articles:
- UK Contract Signing Guide: Tenancy and Employment Agreements
- UK Work Rights Explained: Citizens, EU Nationals & Visa Holders
- Can I Be Paid Less Than My Contracted Hours? Know Your UK Rights
- Agency Worker Rights in the UK: Pay, Holidays & Legal Help
- How to Calculate Unfair Dismissal Compensation in the UK
