The law requires you to issue each employee or worker a statement of written statement of employment particulars on or before their first date of employment/engagement; this is known as a ‘principal statement’. This is a minimum statement concerning their employment or engagement and is not the same as a contract of employment. It covers issues related to pay and conditions, place of work, basic discipline and grievance and job title etc.
By law, you must provide the wider written statement within 2 months of the start of employment. This must include information about pensions and pension schemes, collective agreements, any right to non-compulsory training provided and disciplinary and grievance procedures. Employers must tell employees or workers about any changes to the written statement within one month of making the change.
A contract of employment is a 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.
Contact us if you want a bespoke employment contract to be drafted or call 01628 820515 to discuss your needs.