Starting employment correctly is essential for reducing legal risk. From day one, employers must provide clear documentation and compliant employment terms.

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1. Written Statement of Employment Particulars / Employment Contract

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Employers must provide a written employment contract no later than the employee’s first day of work.

This must include:

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• job title and duties,

• pay and payment intervals,

• working hours and place of work,

• holiday entitlement,

• notice periods,

• benefits,

• disciplinary and grievance procedures.

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I can prepare a tailored employment contract that reflects your business needs.

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2. Types of contracts you may offer

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• Fixed‑term contracts

• Permanent contracts with a probationary period

• Permanent contracts without probation

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Probation periods must be clearly defined and managed fairly.

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3. Zero‑hours contracts 

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As of today, zero‑hours contracts remain legal.

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However, the government has announced plans to restrict or ban them.

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Proposed reforms include:

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• a ban on new zero‑hours contracts,

• a right for workers to receive a contract reflecting their actual working hours,

• hours calculated using a 12‑week reference period.

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Current status:

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• details have been announced,

• legislation is being drafted,

• the reforms are not yet in force,

• implementation is expected in 2027, but no confirmed date yet.

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Employers should prepare for these changes, as they may require updates to contracts and scheduling practices.

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4. Why getting the start of employment right matters

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Mistakes at this stage can lead to:

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• claims for failure to provide written particulars,

• disputes over hours and pay,

• discrimination claims,

• difficulties managing probation,

• complications when ending employment.

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Clear documentation and compliant processes significantly reduce risk.

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5. How I help employers

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• drafting employment contracts and written particulars,

• creating workplace policies,

• advising on probation periods,

• supporting onboarding processes,

• assisting with disputes relating to contracts and employment terms.