Essential points

  • There is no legal requirement that an employee must be provided with a contract of employment.
  • However, an employer has an obligation to provide each employee with a written statement of the terms of theit employment.
  • The advantage of having a formal contract in writing, signed by both parties, is that it sets out the terms agreed between the employer and the employee providing a level of certainty to the relationship.
  • Certain legislation specifies the minimum terms which must be provided in writing to an employee and when they must be provided.
  • Other legislation specifies certain minimum standards of employment which cannot be varied by contract or otherwise.

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Please note

While every care has been taken in compiling this content, neither the CIPD nor Byrne Wallace Shields may 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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