>> In Work/Training >> Guide to Rights & Responsibilities >> Contract of Employment

A contract of employment sets out the main terms and conditions of your job.

Your contract of employment should include:

• Your name.
• The name your employer.
• Your job title or a short job description.
• The date your employment began and the length of time you've been employed.
• Your place of work.
• Your salary and how often you will be paid.
• Your hours of work.
• The amount of holiday you can take each year.
• Your right to sick leave and pay.
• The amount of pension you should get.
• Your right and your employer's right to be given notice of ending your employment.
• How long your employment is expected to continue if it is not permanent, or the date it is expected to end if it is for a fixed length of time.
• Details of any collective agreements that directly affect your terms and conditions (in other words, any agreements between your employer and your representatives, e.g. trade union representatives).

You should receive a Contract of Employment within eight weeks of starting - if you haven't - ask for one! Even if you don't have a written contract, a contract is made with your employer as soon as you accept a job offer.

You can get advice from:

Advisory, Conciliation & Arbitration Service (ACAS)
T: 08457 47 47 47
www.acas.org.uk

Pay & Employment Rights Service
www.pers.org.uk

Pay and Work Rights Helpline
T: 0800 917 2368
Textphone: 0800 121 4042
www.direct.gov.uk/helpline

Department for Business, Innovation & Skills
www.bis.gov.uk