How to draft an employment contract

Author: Greg Chambers, Osborne Clarke

Summary

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• Decide what type of employment contract is suitable for the employee and their role.
• Think about providing the written statement and employment contract as one document.
• Consider including a probationary period in the contract.
• Ensure certain key terms are tailored to the employee and their role.
• Confirm whether or not a collective agreement is in place.
• Check that the contract includes appropriate information about pension rights and that it complies with the pension auto-enrolment requirements.
• Decide the extent of terms needed to protect the business.
• Beware of including unenforceable clauses.
• Consider the relationship between the contract and policies and procedures.
• Ensure that the employee signs the employment contract.