Employment contracts are a fundamental part of any working relationship. While it can be tempting to rush through the paperwork, you should never sign a contract without fully understanding its contents.
This article will help you understand what an employment contract contains, including terms and conditions, job information, compensation and benefits. It will also cover important topics such as noncompete clauses and termination procedures.
Term of employment
An employment contract is a written agreement between an employer and an employee. It sets out the terms and conditions of the job, including the duration of the contract and the responsibilities of both parties. It may also include implied terms that are not explicitly agreed upon but that have become part of the company culture. These are arrangements that have been done for so long that it is assumed they will continue, such as a Christmas bonus or a certain amount of paid sick leave.
The term of the contract is usually a specified period such as one year or three years; five-year contracts are more common in Europe. If the contract is at-will, the employer can fire the employee at any time for no reason or for a reason specified in the contract (Nolo, 2013). Some contracts contain confidentiality provisions that require the employee to protect the employer’s confidential information and technology, such as customer lists and plans, during and after the contract period.
Salary
One of the biggest benefits of employment contracts is that they clearly spell out all duties and responsibilities that an employee will undertake. In addition, an employment contract also sets forth the compensation for that position. In most cases, the contract will specify whether an employee will be paid a salary or hourly wage and the frequency of payment. It will also spell out any additional compensation, such as overtime.
It is also important to read an employment contract carefully before signing it. It is a good idea to have an attorney review it before you sign, as they can help you understand what you are agreeing to. They can also help you negotiate any terms that are not to your liking.
It is also vital to know the terms of termination, as most employment contracts contain clauses that state that if an employee is fired other than “for cause,” they must be paid their full contract value.
Disciplinary action
A formal disciplinary procedure should be included in the contract, and it should detail what steps the employer must take if they have concerns about an employee’s behaviour or capability. This will ensure that the employer acts fairly and complies with the ACAS Code of Practice. It will also help to protect the business from tribunal claims for unfair treatment.
The employer should invite the employee to a hearing as soon as possible after they receive a complaint. The hearing should be impartial and fair, and the employee should be allowed to present evidence and call witnesses. They should also be able to ask questions. If they raise a new issue at the hearing, the employer may need to adjourn and carry out further investigation. If the employee decides to appeal, they should be notified in writing of the decision and outcome as soon as reasonably possible. Any suspension should be on full pay. If this isn’t the case, it could be considered a breach of the employment contract.
Termination
A contract of employment can end voluntarily or involuntarily. This may happen due to performance or non-performance. It can also be the result of a business restructuring or a company’s need to reduce costs. This can be a frustrating time for both parties.
The termination process includes an exit interview, and it can vary for each company. However, the employee should receive a thorough letter stating the reasons for the termination and what their final paycheck will be. It should include details about any form of severance pay and any suggestions on maintaining health insurance or applying for unemployment benefits. It should also list any company property the employee is in possession of.
An employment contract may also include a covenant not to compete clause. This states that the employee will not own, manage, operate, join or control a business that is similar to the employer’s for a year after the termination of their employment. This is an important provision to include in a contract of employment because it protects the company’s interest and value.