Overview
All employees are entitled to a contract of employment that describes the main terms of their employment, their obligations and their rights. For new members of your team, it is generally the final stage of a recruitment process. The recruitment process is explained in our advice on Recruiting staff, which also describes the pre-employment checks that you must undertake and the importance of references.
Key learning points
This advice describes the aspects that should be included in an employment contract and the rights of employees. It explains:
- The essential clauses to include in an employment contract and why
- The employees’ right to paid holiday and the legal minimum that you must provide
- Adjusting holiday entitlement for part-time workers and ensuring fairness
- The employees’ right to request flexible working and setting timescales to help you meet your obligations
- The value of seeking feedback from employees who decide to leave the practice and how this can help you improve your work environment
- Procedure for introducing changes to the terms and conditions of your employees.
The contract of employment
A contract exists when an employee accepts the employer's terms and conditions of employment by starting work. Both employer and employee are bound by the terms offered and agreed. The terms and conditions may be written, verbally agreed or implied by custom and practice.
