Contract of employment template
You're welcome to use this.
Implementation support:
Legal compliance
↓
Document sequence
↓
Best practice timings
↓
A clear and comprehensive contract of employment that sets out rights, responsibilities, and terms between employer and employee.
Contract of employment
Statement of Employment Particulars
This statement is provided in accordance with Section 1 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 and forms part of your contract of employment. It sets out the main terms and conditions of your employment with [Employer Name].
1. Employer and Employee Details
Employer: [Employer name], [Employer address]
Employee: [Employee name], [Employee address]
Job Title: [Job title]
Start Date: [Start date]
Continuous Employment Date: [Continuous employment date]
2. Probationary Period
You will be subject to a probationary period of [number] months from your start date. This may be extended at the employer’s discretion. During probation, either party may terminate employment by giving [shorter notice period].
3. Place of Work
Your normal place of work will be [address]. You may be required to work at other locations as reasonably required by the employer.
4. Duties and Responsibilities
You will carry out the duties set out in your job description and any other reasonable tasks required by the employer from time to time.
5. Pay
-
Rate of Pay: £[amount] per [hour/week/month/year]
-
Payment Frequency: Paid [weekly/monthly] in arrears/on [day] by [method].
-
Any deductions required by law (e.g. PAYE tax and National Insurance) will be made from your pay.
6. Hours of Work
Your normal hours are [number] per week, worked between [days/times]. Reasonable additional hours may be required to meet business needs.
7. Holiday Entitlement
You are entitled to [number] days paid holiday per holiday year, plus [public/bank] holidays. Holiday entitlement is pro-rated for part-time employees. The holiday year runs from [date] to [date].
Holiday requests must be approved in advance.
8. Sickness and Absence
If you are unable to attend work, you must notify your manager as soon as possible on the first day of absence. You may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you meet the eligibility criteria. Details are in the Employee Handbook.
9. Pension
You will be enrolled into the company’s workplace pension scheme if eligible, in accordance with auto-enrolment legislation. Full details will be provided separately.
10. Notice Periods
-
Employee: [notice period]
- Employer: [notice period]
After one month’s service, the statutory minimum notice will apply unless a longer period is stated above.
11. Policies and Procedures
Your employment is subject to the Company’s policies and procedures set out in the Employee Handbook, which is non-contractual unless otherwise stated.
12. Changes to Terms and Conditions
The employer may make reasonable changes to these terms and conditions. You will be notified in writing of any changes at the earliest opportunity.
Signed for and on behalf of [Employer Name]:
Signature: ___________________________
Name: ______________________________
Date: _______________________________
Signed by the Employee:
Signature: ___________________________
Name: ______________________________
Date: _______________________________
Legal compliance
In the UK, it is a legal requirement for employers to provide employees with a written statement of their terms and conditions of employment on or before day 1 of employment that must include the following minimum legal requirements:
-
Employer's details: Name and business address.
-
Employee’s details: Name and job title (or description).
-
Start date: When the employment begins.
-
Job description: A brief outline of duties.
-
Pay details: The amount of salary or wage, frequency of payment, and any benefits.
-
Working hours: The days and hours the employee is expected to work.
-
Holiday entitlement: The annual leave entitlement, including public holidays.
-
Notice period: The required notice for termination by both the employee and employer.
-
Place of work: The location where the employee will work (or a statement if they could be required to work elsewhere).
-
Sick leave: Details of sick pay and leave arrangements.
-
Pension rights: Information on pension schemes, if applicable.
-
Disciplinary and grievance procedures: How disciplinary issues and grievances will be handled.
In addition:
-
The contract of employment can be provided in paper or electronic format and should be easily accessible to the employee.
-
It should be clear and easy to understand, with all terms and conditions explained in plain language.
-
It must accurately reflect the agreed terms and conditions of the employment relationship, and that any changes to the terms and conditions are communicated to the employee in writing.
-
It is important for both parties to carefully review and understand the terms and conditions of the employment agreement before signing.
-
From 6 April 2020, the requirement to provide a written statement of terms and conditions extends to workers, not just employees. This includes casual and zero hours workers.
What is this for?
This Contract of Employment template provides a formal agreement outlining the terms and conditions between the employer and employee. It covers essential details such as job role, hours, pay, and notice periods.
Having a well-drafted contract ensures clarity for both parties, helping to prevent misunderstandings and disputes during employment.
It demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and compliance with employment law.
Document sequence
Offer of employment letter template
Our offer of employment letter template ensures clear communication of job offers, outlining terms and expectations for new hires, streamlining the hiring process.
Company welcome letter template
A welcome letter to a new employee gets them excited for their first day, prepares them for orientation and gives necessary first-day info.
Best practice timings
Best practice for using the Contract of employment template, including key actions before, during, and after implementation.
| Step | Description | Responsibility | Timing |
| 1 | Offer of Employment | HR/Management | When making a job offer |
| 2 | Acceptance of Offer | Candidate | Upon accepting the job offer |
| 3 | Prepare Statement of Terms | HR/Department | After acceptance |
| 4 | Review and Approval | HR/Management | Before finalisation |
| 5 | Issue Statement of Terms and Conditions | HR | Before the start date |
