Contracts of employment (written statements of particulars)

What is the difference between a contract of employment and a statement of written particulars of employment?
The law requires you to issue each employee with a month or more service with a statement of written particulars of employment. This is a minimum statement concerning their employment. It covers issues related to pay and conditions, place of work, basic discipline and grievance, job title etc. A contract is more detailed document that will define a more stringent set of expectations on the employee and obligations on the employer. It is generally issued before employment commences and forms a written agreement of the nature of the offer and acceptance. Whilst a written statement is quicker to produce, you should use a fuller contract for permanent employees, key roles and more senior people. Get written statements and contracts from the appropriate section in our products list.
Why should my staff have contracts rather than written particulars?
Who do I need to give written particulars (as a minimum) to?
Do I need to give written particulars (as a minimum) to staff before they start work for me?
What does ‘breach of contract’ mean and what can happen as a result?
What is the penalty for not providing a written contract or a statement of written particulars within 2 months?
What do I need to do with the contract once I've produced it?
Do I need to issue a new contract every year or every time something changes?
My (existing) employees won't sign the contract! What do I do?
What does 'Continuous Service' mean & why is it significant?
Which contract should I use?
Can I write my own contractual clauses?
What is a contractual amendment?