What Employees Should Know Before Signing a Work Contract

While starting a new job is an exciting moment, there are also many things that you’ll want to have spelled out in a work contract between you and your employer. In the UK, this legal agreement  is binding and defines the relationship between an employee and their employer. The contract should contain important details about your responsibilities, rights, working conditions, pay, as well as other key aspects.

Employees, especially those switching career paths or starting their first job, may find themselves pressured to quickly sign the work contract that is put in front of them. It’s important to remember, though, that although some very basic employment rights are governed by statutory law in the UK, many specific elements are laid out the work contract. If you want to fully protect yourself, you will want to consult with Specialist employment law solicitors operating nationwide before you sign off on your contract.

Basic Elements Included in the Work Contract

Your work contract will set out and define many key aspects of the agreement between you and your employer. It will include your employer’s name and your name, and the start date of your employment. Your job title should accurately reflect your promised seniority level and the scope of your duties. There should also be a detailed description of the work your employer expects you to perform.

This legally binding agreement will also specifically state the amount you will be paid, and will detail any other benefits you will receive for your work. The frequency of your pay and method of payment should be noted. The work contract should identify deductions that are required by law or that you have authorized, like pension contributions. If you are to receive a bonus based on performance, be sure the method of calculation and metrics are clearly specified.

Additional Details of Your Work Contract

The work contract you will be signing should also specify the days and hours of your work. If those times can be varied or changed, that should be noted too. If you are hiring on with the company for a fixed term, the agreement needs to identify how long your employment is expected to go on. The agreement should include details about your holiday entitlement, too.

If you will have times when you are working away from your typical employment site, then the contract should identify the different locations where you will be working. It should also specify whether you are required to relocate. You’ll also want the work contract to address training you could be required to attend, and who will be paying for that training.

Termination and Post-Employment Considerations

Before signing your work contract, be sure to talk to your solicitor about any termination clauses contained in the agreement. Special care should be taken to review any right by the employer to terminate the contract immediately due to an issue like gross misconduct, or without notice if you are in a probationary status.

The boilerplate provisions in your work contract may contain covenants that restrict what you can do after leaving your job. Pay special attention to non-compete clauses, which might prevent you from working for other local companies in your industry for a certain time period. Your contract may also have non-solicitation or confidentiality language that should be reviewed by your solicitor.