United Kingdom Contract of Employment
Also known as: Employment Contract · Statement of Particulars · Employment Agreement
Generate a contract of employment tailored to United Kingdom law. Our AI incorporates United Kingdom-specific statutory requirements, disclosure obligations, and legal standards into every clause.
Contract of Employment
Also called: Employment Contract, Statement of Particulars
Legal Requirements
United Kingdom Legal Requirements
Key United Kingdom statutes and obligations that apply to your contract of employment.
Written statement of particulars must be provided on or before first day of employment (Employment Rights Act 1996 as amended)
Must include: employer/employee details, job title, start date, pay, hours, holiday entitlement, notice periods, sick pay
National Living Wage (NLW): £11.44/hour for workers aged 21+ (April 2024)
Statutory minimum holiday: 5.6 weeks (28 days) per year including bank holidays
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): £116.75/week for up to 28 weeks (2024)
Employees gain unfair dismissal rights after 2 years' continuous employment
Auto-enrolment pension contributions required: 3% employer, 5% employee minimum
Restrictions & Key Considerations
Post-termination restrictive covenants must be reasonable in scope and duration to be enforceable
Discrimination clauses prohibited under the Equality Act 2010 (9 protected characteristics)
Zero-hours contracts permitted but workers retain right to request guaranteed hours after 26 weeks
Settlement agreements must be signed with independent legal advice to be binding
Notice Requirements
Statutory minimum: 1 week per year of service (max 12 weeks). Notice period runs from the week following notice.
FAQ
United Kingdom Contract of Employment FAQ
Common questions about the contract of employment under United Kingdom law.
What must a UK employment contract include?
The Employment Rights Act 1996 requires a written statement of particulars from day one, covering pay, hours, holiday, notice, job description, sick pay, and pension. A full contract adds confidentiality, IP assignment, and restrictive covenants.
Can UK employers use zero-hours contracts?
Yes, zero-hours contracts are legal in the UK. However, workers on such contracts must receive at least the National Living Wage, statutory holiday pay, and rest breaks. The Employment Rights Bill 2024 proposed stronger rights for these workers.
How much holiday must a UK employer provide?
The statutory minimum is 5.6 weeks (28 days) per year for a full-time worker, which may include bank holidays. Many employers offer more as part of a competitive benefits package.
When can an employee claim unfair dismissal in the UK?
Employees need 2 years of continuous employment to claim ordinary unfair dismissal. However, certain automatic unfair dismissal claims (e.g., whistleblowing, pregnancy) have no qualifying period.
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