What should I look for in an employment contract?
We think these are the five most important things to check in your employment contract.
- Job title and description.
- Salary, benefits and bonuses.
- Hours and location of work.
- Holidays, sick leave and death in service.
- Restrictive clauses and covenants.
What should I know before signing an employment contract?
Nine important things to consider before signing an employment contract
- Ask for some time before you sign.
- Discuss and negotiate.
- Understand the probation clause.
- Ongoing versus fixed term employment.
- Disciplinary clause.
- Termination clause.
- Restraint of trade-restrictions.
- Tax.
What are the three most important things to negotiate on an employment contract?
The following is a checklist of key issues to consider when negotiating an employment agreement.
- Compensation.
- Equity Grants.
- Scope of Employment.
- Benefits.
- Term and Termination.
- Reimbursement of Expenses.
- Liability Protection for the Employee.
- Confidentiality Restrictions.
Can you start work without a signed contract?
Yes, absolutely. Starting work without a signed contract means that your position isn’t clear, or even worse –it’s weak. It also means that the contract is legally enforceable and will be able to support you if you decide to take legal action.
What happens if I work without a contract?
There is no legal requirement to provide a written contract for any role. However, while working without a written contract of employment is fine for some roles, for others it would be irresponsible not to have one. The more detailed a contract is, the more important it is to have in writing.
What are my rights if I don’t have a contract of employment?
Terms may be agreed orally, and not committed to writing but, they will still be legally binding on the parties. If you’ve never been given a written copy of your contract of employment, don’t worry – you will still have a contract, but its terms will be implied and/or agreed orally.
What is the penalty for not issuing a contract of employment?
What is the penalty for not issuing an employment contract? Immediately, nothing. But if they take you to tribunal for any other reason (unfair dismissal, discrimination, etc) then it will be added on to their claim and will cost an extra 3 or 4 weeks money.
Should you ever accept the first salary offer?
It really depends. Some people feel you should take the first offer if you’re happy with it. Never negotiate just for the sake of negotiating. Other people disagree with that position and believe anytime you’re given the chance to negotiate, you should.