Contracts of Employment – Changes in the Law

Changes to Legislation – Contracts of Employment

The ‘Good work plan’ due to be implemented in April 2020, sets out the governments vision for the future of the UK labour market and how it intends to implement the recommendations arising from the Taylor review of modern practices.  The ‘Good Work Plan’ has far reaching implications on the employment practices of small businesses for example the ‘gig’ economy and agency workers.  We would like to highlight the new planned legislation regarding contracts of employment.

With effect from April 2020, written statements of employment will have to be made available to employees and workers on or before they start employment.

Under current legislation employees must be given a written statement within two months of their start date as long as they have worked for their employer for a month.  This statement should contain details of their employment contract and rights such as start date, pay, pay intervals and notice period. There is currently no such right for casual workers or agency workers.

The written statement can be in the form of a contract of employment or letter of engagement as long as it includes the relevant information.  This important document forms the basis of your relationship with your employee or worker and sets out the terms and benefits that you provide to them.  We would advise that you also include the legal protection that you need for your business for example regarding confidentiality and post termination restrictions

If you would like to discuss the implications of the above new legislation on your business or would like some advice regarding new or existing contracts of employment, please contact gill@bradleyhayneslaw.co.uk.   To find out more about our employment and HR services, please refer to website or contact Gill on 01905 900919.