Employment contracts

What is an employment contract?

A contract is an agreement and an employment contract is an agreement between you and your employer. Contracts can be verbal or written but a written contract is easier to enforce.

You are entitled to a written statement of terms and conditions of employment within 2 months of starting your job.

A contract is made when you accept a job offer and is usually brought to an end by either side giving notice or by mutual agreement.

Terms and conditions

If there is anything in your contract that you don’t understand or that you are unsure about, then you should ask your employer.

The “terms” of your contract are legally binding and breaking these can be a breach of contract. Your employer may also have company procedures. These will often be in an employee handbook. Your employer will try to follow them but they are not legally binding.

Either you or your employer may want to change the terms of your contract. In this case, you will both need to agree any changes. If your employer tries to change the terms of your contract and you don’t agree, you can submit a grievance or you can seek further advice. You can speak to your trade union if you are a member or you can find an employment specialist.