Essential points

  • There is no legal requirement that an employment contract must be in writing.
  • However, an employer has an obligation to provide each employee with a statement of the terms of the employee's employment.
  • The advantage of having a contract in writing that is signed by both parties is that it sets out the terms agreed between the employer and the employee providing a level of certainty in the relationship.
  • Certain legislation specifies the minimum terms which apply in the absence of a contractual agreement.
  • Other legislation specifies certain minimum standards of employment which cannot be varied by contract or otherwise.

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Please note

​While every care has been taken in compiling this content, the CIPD cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. These notes are not intended to be a substitute for specific legal advice.

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